While "One Night The Moon" may be short on screen time it is certainly big on entertainment. Best described as a music drama the concept
works extremely well with much packed into it's enthralling 57 minutes. But don't worry that your not getting good value for your cinema
bucks because nothing could be further from the truth. "One Night The Moon" is being supported by another short film in many cinemas. The
concept behind "One Night The Moon" is an exciting one and it works well. I particularly loved the soundtrack compiled by a creative team
comprising Paul Kelly, Mairead Hannan and Kev Carmody. There are some haunting songs interlaced to the onscreen drama, in particular the
segment when both Kelly and Albert are at odds as to what the "land" represents. Personally I feel that "One Night The Moon" should be
compolsury viewing for all students attending high school. I say this because "One Night The Moon" has a message that is important other
than what the film will [in many cases] best be remembered for. No I am not an activist, but there is a message here that the "land" is
more than ownership and heaven knows since we have "owned the land" there have been too many stuff ups, evident today by pollution, salinity
and degredation. "One Night The Moon" is also strong on self worth and the consequence of valuing that too high when it comes to making rational
descisions. While there is great tragedy in "One Night The Moon" it is not the total focus of this very worthy Australian film thanks to that
intensely objective soundtrack. Aboriginal jazz and blues singer Ruby Hunter [who has released two albums, Thoughts Within & Feeling Good]
makes her film debut as Albert's wife. The cast is solid and there are some beautiful scenes of the Flinders Ranges used as the backdrop
and that "moon" segment is very captivating. Director Rachel Perkins [yes Charlie Perkins daughter] has done a masterful job of packing so
much into such a short space of time. I am sure that if he was here with us in person he would be extremely proud of her work.
The Story
It's the early 1930's in outback Australia and the story of a family recently settled on the land. The outback is no place for the naïve or those
who lack respect. It's an idyllic family scene with mum, dad and daughter singing together before retiring for the night. There song is aptly named
"One Night The Moon" and on this night, a little girls attraction to the full moon beaming through her window will prove fatal. As is hypnotised by the
huge moon in the sky, the little girl climbs from her bedroom window and follows the moon into the bush. It's every parents nightmare. Where is our child?
Where has she gone? The land is too vast for one person to search and so help is called for. The police sergeant arrives with a group of willing locals [who
know too well the consequence of going missing in the vast outback land] and the only person who can save the day, Albert an aboriginal blacktracker. The
father rejects Albert. There'll be no blacks on his land. That fatal statement sets the tone for what will follow. The vast difference in attitudes between
Albert and the Father are brilliantly contrasted with two haunting songs. While the Father sings "This land is mine", Albert rtorts with "This land is me".
It's a grand duel through song. Based on the true story of aboriginal tracker Riley who was decorated for his marvellous skills during his service
with the police force [Riley was awarded the King's Medal]. "One Night The Moon" is such a wonderfully, entertaining, concept and a refreshing diversion from those
hollywood blockbusters. Go see it!!
The Verdict
"One Night The Moon sets new standards in entertainment, combining both music and drama in an exciting conceptual format that provides all the necessary
ingredients to entertain audiences successfully." - RATED M
The Critics
"Perkins makes her work moving, informative and challenging, developing great power with simple understated performances." "It is touching and immensely rewarding." "4****"
Stan James ADVERTISER
"It's beautiful and the performances are just great"
Margaret Pomeranz THE MOVIE SHOW
"One Night the Moon is a marvellous achievement for Australian cinema" ... "this is genuine
cinema of the highest order and Australia can be immensely proud of it."
Andrew L. Urban URBANCINEFILE
"It may only run 57 minutes but you'll get more from this than most movies with twice the
running time."
Richard Kuipers URBANCINEFILE
"Rachel Perkins has beautifully captured the essence of this tale with such heartfelt sincerity
and adept filmmaking, that it is impossible not to be moved." "One Night The Moon deserves to
find its audience; it is a bewitching film for anyone who feels, thinks and hopes."
Louise Keller URBANCINEFILE
The Cast
Paul Kelly
Kaarin Faifax
Memphis Kelly
Kelton Pell
Ruby Hunter
Chris Haywood
David Field
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
The Father
The Mother
The Child
Albert the Tracker
Albert's Wife
Police Sregeant
Allman
