Watch Smash Palace

Smash Palace is a powerful and thought-provoking film from New Zealand, first released in 1981. The movie follows the lives of a dysfunctional family as they navigate a complex web of relationships and emotions. The story centers around a man named Al Shaw (played by Bruno Lawrence), who is the owner of a run-down car salvage yard called 'Smash Palace'. Al lives with his wife Jacqui (played by Anna Maria Monticelli) and their young daughter Georgie (played by Greer Robson-Kirk). However, their family life is far from stable, with Al and Jacqui constantly arguing and getting into conflicts.

As the story unfolds, we see Al's life begin to spiral out of control. Jacqui leaves him, taking Georgie with her to live with her parents, and Al is left feeling lost and alone. He begins to drink heavily and act recklessly, causing chaos in his workplace and neglecting his responsibilities.

Despite Al's increasingly erratic behavior, we see glimpses of his underlying vulnerability and pain. He is clearly struggling to come to terms with the breakup of his family, and is haunted by memories of happier times. This emotional depth and complexity is a testament to the skillful writing and acting of the film.

As the story progresses, Al's life becomes more and more dangerous. He takes up with a young girl named Linda (played by Anne Flannery), who is drawn to the rugged and unpredictable nature of his personality. However, their relationship is tumultuous at best, with both parties struggling to communicate effectively or understand each other's needs.

Ultimately, the film leads to a dramatic and heartbreaking conclusion. Without giving too much away, it is safe to say that Smash Palace is a film that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who sees it. It is a powerful exploration of the human condition, filled with intense emotions, complex relationships, and thought-provoking themes.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its use of setting and scenery. The vast, desolate landscapes of the New Zealand countryside provide the perfect backdrop for the characters' internal struggles. The harsh, unforgiving terrain underscores the film's themes of isolation and despair, while also hinting at the possibility of redemption.

Another standout feature of the film is its performances. Bruno Lawrence delivers an absolutely stunning performance as Al, capturing the character's complex mixture of anger, sadness, and vulnerability with heartbreaking clarity. Anna Maria Monticelli is equally impressive as Jacqui, conveying the character's frustration and sorrow with a quiet intensity. And young Greer Robson-Kirk shines as Georgie, bringing an innocence and vulnerability to the role that is truly captivating.

All in all, Smash Palace is a masterful film that deserves to be remembered as a true classic of New Zealand cinema. It is a powerful and heart-wrenching examination of love, loss, and the complexity of the human experience. Whether you're a fan of dramatic films, family dramas, or simply great storytelling, this movie is not to be missed.

Smash Palace is a 1981 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.