Watch Winter of Our Dreams

Winter of Our Dreams is a drama film directed by John Duigan, which was released in 1981. The movie captures the essence of the time period when Melbourne was going through a phase of change, with new social and cultural values becoming prominent. The movie stars Judy Davis as Lou, Bryan Brown as Rob, and Cathy Downes as Meg, who deliver excellent performances which bring the story alive.

Set in the late '70s in Melbourne, the film tells the story of Lou, a hopeless romantic who dreams of falling in love and starting a family. Working as a waitress in a bar, she falls in love with a man named Rob, who is a heroin addict. Rob and Lou's relationship is complicated, and Rob isn't able to provide Lou with the kind of life she desires. At one point, Lou meets a journalist named Walter in the bar where she works, and they start seeing each other. Walter is already married, but that doesn't stop him from pursuing a relationship with Lou in his attempts to escape the mundanity of his current life.

With Rob's addiction spiraling out of control, he finds himself in a rehab center. Meanwhile, Lou is struggling to come to terms with her own inadequacies and the state of the world around her. Political unrest and social change, coupled with a slow economy, are having an impact on the lives of everyone in the city.

At the same time, Meg, a young woman who used to work at the bar with Lou, is also coming to terms with her own issues. She is trying to find her place in the world and her own identity on her own terms. Meg is lost and unsure of who she is and what she wants to do with her life, and her journey is particularly poignant.

The movie is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. It examines the complexities of relationships and the struggle to find happiness amidst the chaos of modern life. The characters in the movie are all flawed in some way, but their humanity shines through. The film's themes are timeless, yet it remains deeply rooted in its time, capturing the essence of Melbourne in the late '70s and early '80s. The city itself is almost a character in the film, a place of grime, grit, and hope.

The pacing of the movie is slow and deliberate, which allows the audience to become fully immersed in the characters and their stories. The performances are all exceptional, particularly Judy Davis, who brings raw emotion to her portrayal of Lou. Her character is complex and nuanced, and Davis manages to convey Lou's inner turmoil subtly and powerfully.

Bryan Brown is also fantastic as Rob, capturing the desperation and darkness of his addiction. Cathy Downes is luminous as Meg, creating a character who is both sympathetic and relatable.

Winter of Our Dreams is a film that remains relevant today. It's a powerful exploration of relationships, identity, and the human experience. The film is beautifully shot, with stunning cinematography that captures the mood and atmosphere of Melbourne at the time. The soundtrack is also noteworthy, with an excellent score that perfectly complements the visuals.

Overall, Winter of Our Dreams is a powerful, emotional, and thought-provoking movie about the complexities of the human experience. It's a film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled. If you're a fan of character-driven dramas, this is definitely a movie worth watching.