X
- 2007
- Unrated
- Palm Pictures
- 1 h 30 m
- 2007
- Unrated
- Palm Pictures
- 1 h 30 m
Summary The first feature film to be shot entirely in Aboriginal language (predominantly Ganalbingu), Ten Canoes is set both in the past (centuries ago, before the coming of white people to Australia) and in the Ganalbingu mythical past.
Directed By: Rolf de Heer, Peter Djigirr
Written By: Rolf de Heer
- 2007
- Unrated
- Palm Pictures
- 1 h 30 m
- 2007
- Unrated
- Palm Pictures
- 1 h 30 m
Ten Canoes
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Where to Watch
Summary The first feature film to be shot entirely in Aboriginal language (predominantly Ganalbingu), Ten Canoes is set both in the past (centuries ago, before the coming of white people to Australia) and in the Ganalbingu mythical past.
Directed By: Rolf de Heer, Peter Djigirr
Written By: Rolf de Heer
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 20 Critic Reviews
82
100% Positive
20 Reviews
20 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 20 Critic Reviews
82
100% Positive
20 Reviews
20 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Its mixture of wisdom and whimsy -- exemplified by the movie's unnamed and occasionally cheeky narrator -- makes this Australian movie feel as timeless as it is timely. And instead of feeling dutifully cultural as we immerse ourselves in this story, we're genuinely intrigued, touched and even amused.
Anthropology and entertainment are marvelously married in Rolf de Heer's Ten Canoes. The first feature in an Australian Aboriginal language feels authentic to the core as it tells a cautionary tale set 1,000 years ago.
A top-flight example of cinematic storytelling, thanks in large part to the unusual narration, spoken in English by David Gulpilil.
Ten Canoes is a rare and valuable movie, providing fascinating insight into another culture without pandering or being stuffy. Seek it out -- swim if you have to.
Offers another way into these complex indigenous people, through storytelling as haunting as their artwork.
Funny, perceptive, bawdy, tragic and philosophical, pretty much everything a viewer -- or a listener -- could ask for.
The humor in de Heer's script is mostly anatomical, and the performances of the nonpro cast are stiffer than bark. But you've never seen anything like it.
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Production Company
Adelaide Film Festival,
Fandango Australia,
Fandango,
Special Broadcasting Service (SBS),
Vertigo Productions
Release Date Jun 1, 2007
Duration 1 h 30 m
Rating Unrated
Tagline Ten canoes, three wives, one hundred and fifty spears...trouble
Awards
Australian Film Institute
• 6 Wins & 7 Nominations
IF Awards
• 3 Wins & 6 Nominations
Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards
• 3 Wins & 5 Nominations
