Watch Children of the Revolution

Children of the Revolution is an Australian independent movie, released in 1996. The political comedy-drama is directed by Peter Duncan and stars Judy Davis, Sam Neill, and F. Murray Abraham. The movie has an impressive and talented cast that delivers an outstanding performance. The plot of the movie revolves around Joan Fraser (Judy Davis), a communist and single mother who lives in Australia in the early 1950s. Joan always believed that she had an affair with Joseph Stalin when she visited the Soviet Union before the World War II. She had a son, Joe (Richard Roxburgh), who was named after Stalin himself. Joe grows up to become a committed communist, dedicated to following in the footsteps of his late father.

Joan, who works as a scriptwriter in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), falls in love with a married politician, D.J. (Sam Neill). D.J. loves Joan equally but is stuck between his love for her and his loyalty to his wife. D.J. is a rising star in the local political scene, and his party won in the election not long ago. Unexpectedly, he receives a promotion, becoming a government minister. When Joan learns about this news, she is happy, as she thinks that D.J. could bring about the changes they both believe. One of their priorities is to assist those who were blacklisted because of their political beliefs in the past, and they start working on a plan to do so.

However, things take an unexpected turn when Joan's son, Joe, decides to go to Moscow to see if he can find out more about his father, Joseph Stalin – the man he idolizes. While in Moscow, Joe meets a mysterious American businessman (F. Murray Abraham) who seems to know everything about his father. Joe soon finds himself in trouble when he becomes a pawn in a game of international espionage involving the CIA, the KGB, and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).

The audience is taken on a journey through the personal lives of the characters as well as their political beliefs. The movie is a successful blend of comedy and drama, bringing a fresh perspective to the political scene in Australia in the 1950s. The scenes where Joan and D.J. are discussing politics are both informative and amusing. They use their wit and humor to convey their points, making it very entertaining for the audience.

The movie's cinematography is also remarkable, capturing the essence of the 1950s Australia. The sets and costumes play an important role in taking the audience back in time. The music is another aspect that complements the film well, and it's reflective of the era. The movie has a great soundtrack, comprising of music that was popular in the 1950s.

Judy Davis delivers a powerful performance as Joan Fraser. She's an actress whose presence dominates the screen, and she's a perfect fit for the role. Davis's character is a feminist, hampered by the sexism of the males in her life, but she never lets them take away her strength. Sam Neill plays his part, taking viewers on an emotional rollercoaster. He portrays a man who is conflicted between love and loyalty, and he does it flawlessly. F. Murray Abraham, known for his roles in Amadeus and The Grand Budapest Hotel, also delivers a great performance as the mysterious businessman. His performance adds intrigue to the movie, and his character's intentions remain unclear until the end.

In conclusion, Children of the Revolution is a thought-provoking political comedy-drama, with excellent acting, great cinematography, and a fantastic soundtrack. It takes the audience on a journey through the personal lives and political beliefs of the characters, and it leaves a lasting impact. It's definitely worth watching for those who enjoy character-driven stories, political satire, and dramas set in a bygone era.