Watch Redball
- NR
- 1998
- 1 hr 31 min
-
4.7 (231)
Redball is a gritty Australian crime thriller, directed by Jon Hewitt and released in 1999. The film takes place in Melbourne and follows a veteran detective, Johnno (John Brumpton), and his young partner Deb (Belinda McClory) as they investigate the brutal murder of a young woman. The title Redball refers to the police code used to signify a high-priority case, and this case is definitely a red ball. The victim is found in a dumpster, her body horribly mutilated and her face beyond recognition. Johnno and Deb are tasked with solving the case quickly, but it soon becomes apparent that they are in over their heads.
As they delve deeper into the seedy underbelly of Melbourne, Johnno and Deb encounter a cast of unsavory characters, including drug dealers, loan sharks, and corrupt cops. They also have to navigate the politics of the police department, which puts pressure on them to wrap up the case quickly.
Johnno is a classic hard-boiled detective, a weathered veteran who has seen it all. He's tough as nails, but he's also a bit of a loose cannon. He's haunted by traumas from his past and struggles with alcoholism. His partner, Deb, is much younger and more idealistic. She's more by-the-book than Johnno, but she's also not afraid to bend the rules when necessary.
Together, Johnno and Deb make a formidable team. They butt heads at times, but they have a deep respect for one another. They're both committed to finding the killer and bringing him to justice, no matter what it takes.
The film is shot in a gritty, realistic style that perfectly captures the seedy world of Melbourne's criminal underworld. The cinematography is often dark and moody, reflecting the bleakness of the case at hand.
The performances from the cast are top-notch, particularly John Brumpton as Johnno. He completely inhabits the role, bringing a raw intensity to every scene. Belinda McClory is also great as Deb, bringing a vulnerability to the character that balances Johnno's tough exterior.
Overall, Redball is a tense and riveting crime thriller with great performances and an authentic sense of atmosphere. It's a must-see for fans of the genre, and a testament to the strength of Australian cinema.
Redball is a 1998 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.7.