Watch Romulus, My Father

Romulus, My Father is an Australian drama film released in 2007. The movie is based on the memoir of the same name written by Raimond Gaita. Richard Roxburgh directed the film and Nick Drake penned the screenplay. The story of Romulus, My Father revolves around a Romanian immigrant named Romulus (Eric Bana), who lives in the Australian countryside during the 1950s. He is struggling to make a living for his family and provide the life he and his wife, Christina (Franka Potente), had envisioned for their son, Raimond (Kodi Smit-McPhee). As the story unfolds, it becomes evident that their initial happiness and prosperity did not last long.

The movie is portrayed through the eyes of Raimond, who is fascinated by his father's sheer will and resilience towards life. Romulus's parenting style is strict, and he is not afraid to discipline his son. But at the same time, he displays a considerable amount of care and affection towards his family.

As the film progresses, it becomes clear that Romulus is struggling with a mental illness, which is most likely schizophrenia. This condition casts a shadow on the family's life, affecting Romulus's mental well-being and, in turn, the lives of Christina and Raimond.

Romulus's illness adds additional weight to the already challenging circumstances the family has been facing. The village they live in is tight-knit, and everyone knows everyone's business. They are outsiders and, therefore, subject to suspicious looks and harsh judgments from their neighbors.

The story unfolds at a slow pace, letting the audience get to know the characters intimately. The characters are richly developed, and performances from the leads are incredibly nuanced. Eric Bana is brilliant as Romulus, and he imbues the character with a mix of stoic resolve and love for his family. Franka Potente also gives an exceptional performance, playing a role that requires her to be strong and vulnerable at the same time.

Marton Csokas plays the role of Hora, Romulus's closest friend. Hora is a well-to-do farmer who helps Romulus with his farm work and is always there to listen to his friend's problems. Hora's appearance in the story provides a much-needed balance and support that Romulus's family desperately needs.

The cinematography of Romulus, My Father is breathtaking, capturing the stunning natural beauty of the Australian landscape. Such shots provide a perfect juxtaposition to the struggles of the characters, highlighting the themes of isolation and loneliness that run throughout the film.

The movie also deals with themes of mental health, masculinity, and the impact of immigration. These themes are explored delicately and sensitively, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. The pervasive sense of melancholy in the story makes the characters feel relatable, even though the film is set in another time and place.

In conclusion, Romulus, My Father is an excellent film that explores the timeless themes of family, love, and the human spirit. The movie's slow-burn storytelling and the understated performances from the cast make it an absolute must-watch. The film is poignant and emotionally resonant, and it stays with the viewer long after the end credits have rolled.

Romulus, My Father is a 2007 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 57.