Watch Far East

Far East is an Australian drama film from 1982 directed by John Duigan, based on a semi-autobiographical novel of the same name by John Lamond. The movie stars Bryan Brown, Helen Morse, and John Bell in leading roles, with additional cast members including Chris Haywood, Tim McKenzie, Michael Fitzpatrick, and Anna Jemison. Set in the late 1960s, Far East tells the story of a rebellious young man, Teddy (Bryan Brown), who leaves his comfortable middle-class life in Sydney to travel to the far east. There, he meets a beautiful older woman named Jeanne (Helen Morse) who introduces him to a new world of intellectual and spiritual experiences. Together with her partner, Joe (John Bell), they open his eyes to a new cultural landscape, revealing the various political and social movements taking place.

Throughout the film, we see Teddy struggle with his identity and personal beliefs as he navigates this new terrain. Jeanne and Joe become his mentors and guides, showing him the beauty and wisdom of the eastern world. They expose him to drama, art, philosophy, and the subtleties of eastern spiritual practices, all while challenging his pre-existing notions about life.

As they travel through various countries including Hong Kong, India, and Thailand, Teddy finds himself continuously questioning the new ideals he is being introduced to. He is unsure if he is truly interested in them, or if he is simply following the charismatic and persuasive Jeanne. He finds himself caught between the two world views of Jeanne and Joe, who clash over their different philosophies on politics and spirituality.

Meanwhile, Teddy struggles to reconcile his feelings for Jeanne, who he has fallen in love with, with the realization that she is already taken by Joe. He is conflicted between his desires and the ethics of sleeping with someone involved in an open relationship.

The film also touches upon the socio-political issues of the time period, with references to the Vietnam War, communism, and the civil rights movements in the US. These themes serve as a backdrop to Teddy's personal journey, and bring a sense of historical context to the story.

Overall, the film is a coming-of-age tale of self-discovery and cultural exploration. The beautiful cinematography captures the essence of the far east with bright, colorful imagery of markets, temples, and local scenery. The performances by Brown, Morse, and Bell are deeply nuanced and complex, conveying the intricacies of their characters' personalities and ideologies.

While Far East may not appeal to all audiences due to its slow pacing and introspective nature, it will be appreciated by viewers who enjoy character-driven dramas and thought-provoking narratives.

Far East is a 1982 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.