Watch The Year My Voice Broke

The Year My Voice Broke is a coming-of-age drama film released in 1987, directed by John Duigan. The movie is set in rural New South Wales, Australia, in 1962, and tells the story of a teenager named Danny, played by Noah Taylor, as he navigates the hardships and complexities of adolescence. Danny is an awkward and introverted boy who is often mistreated by his peers due to his small size and soft-spoken nature. He is in love with his childhood friend, Freya, played by Loene Carmen, who has grown into a beautiful and popular girl at their high school. However, Danny's affections for her are unrequited, and he often watches from afar as she dates other boys.

One day, a new student named Trevor, played by Ben Mendelsohn, arrives at the school, and he quickly becomes a close friend of both Danny and Freya. Trevor is a rebellious and free-spirited boy who challenges Danny's shy and passive nature, and the two become inseparable throughout the summer.

As the trio explores the Australian countryside and grapples with their personal struggles, Danny begins to feel more confident in himself and his ability to express his emotions. However, their idyllic summer is not without its challenges, as they face issues such as class differences, family tensions, and the cruelty of their peers.

Throughout the film, Danny's voice undergoes a literal and metaphorical transformation, as he goes through the physical changes of puberty and gains the courage to express himself and stand up for what he believes in. By the end of the summer, he has become a more confident and assertive person, but also realizes that growing up means facing difficult choices and accepting that some things cannot be changed.

The Year My Voice Broke is a poignant and beautifully-shot film that captures the complexities of adolescence and the universal experience of growing up. The performances by Taylor, Carmen, and Mendelsohn are nuanced and authentic, and the film's exploration of themes such as love, friendship, and identity is both heartfelt and thought-provoking.

Overall, The Year My Voice Broke is a classic coming-of-age tale that is sure to resonate with audiences of all ages, and remains a beloved Australian film nearly three decades after its release.