Watch Grievous Bodily Harm

Grievous Bodily Harm is a 1988 Australian film directed by Mark Joffe and starring Colin Friels, John Waters, and Bruno Lawrence. Set in Sydney, the film follows the story of Tom Stewart (Friels), a young man who is involved in a car accident that kills a woman. Tom's life is turned upside down when he becomes the prime suspect in the woman's death and is forced to face the consequences of his actions.

The film begins with a group of young adults, Tom included, driving to a party in the outskirts of the city. On the way, they come across a woman wandering on the road and accidentally hit her with their car. Shocked and scared, Tom and his friends leave the woman lying on the roadside and drive away. The next day, Tom wakes up to find the police at his doorstep, accusing him of hit-and-run.

Tom's world starts to unravel as he becomes the target of the media, the police, and the victim's grieving husband. He is arrested, questioned, and put on trial for the woman's death. Throughout the film, Tom struggles to come to terms with what he has done and the impact it has had on the people around him. He is haunted by guilt and shame, and as the evidence piles up against him, he starts to wonder if he really did cause the accident.

The film features powerful performances by the cast, with Colin Friels delivering a standout performance as Tom. He portrays the character's inner turmoil and desperation with great depth, making the audience empathize with his situation. John Waters, who plays the victim's husband, is equally impressive in his portrayal of grief and anger. His character's pursuit of justice and revenge adds a thrilling aspect to the plot.

Bruno Lawrence also shines as Tom's lawyer, who takes on his case despite the mounting evidence against him. The lawyer's witty remarks and clever strategies provide some much-needed comic relief amidst the tense atmosphere of the film. The supporting cast, including Hugo Weaving and Chris Haywood, also deliver solid performances and add depth to the film's characters.

The film's setting in Sydney is used effectively to create a sense of place, with the city's streets and landmarks providing a backdrop to the story's events. The film's cinematography also deserves praise, with the use of natural lighting and subtle camera movements creating a realistic and immersive experience.

One of the best aspects of Grievous Bodily Harm is its exploration of themes such as guilt, justice, and morality. The film asks important questions about the consequences of one's actions and the gray areas in the justice system. It also touches on the media's sensationalization of tragedies and the public's fascination with crime and punishment. These themes make the film a thought-provoking watch and elevate it above a typical legal drama.

In conclusion, Grievous Bodily Harm is a well-crafted film that delivers a powerful story and top-notch performances. Its exploration of complex themes and its handling of sensitive subject matter make it a standout entry in Australian cinema.

Grievous Bodily Harm is a 1989 mystery with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.