MartinHafer
Sybylla Melvyn (Judy Davis) is a very odd woman who just doesn't fit in to the times in which she lives. The film is set in Australia around 1890 and Sybylla has all sorts of very modern feminist notions...which weren't exactly practical or expected back in the day. Unlike the average lady who was looking to snag a good husband, Sybylla wants to be independent...to write and see the world. But she isn't rich nor is she particularly attractive and her family urges her to accept the marriage offers she's received. She, on the other hand, doesn't mind telling these men 'no'. What's to become of Sybylla and her notions of life?This is a lovely film to look at with the lovely costumes and outdoor settings. However, it's also a bit slower paced and deliberate than many films...so you might want to consider this when you think about watching the movie. It also is quite melancholy and if you expect a nice, happy ending...you'll likely be disappointed. Still, I enjoyed the film and its message of a woman desperately wanting more out of life is striking to watch.
runamokprods
A lovely, beautifully acted first feature that launched both Judy Davis, who is amazing in this, and director Gillian Armstrong. Its lost a little something revisiting it after all these years. While it's feminist ideals are inspiring and handled with complexity, there's a certain lack of emotion to it. We don't really get the deep bitter-sweetness of choosing loneliness over loss of self. Also, that the film forces that choice seems a bit disingenuous. Nothing about Sam Neil's character that suggests he would repress our heroine – indeed he clearly loves her for the free spirit she is. To really have her need to make an either/or decision 'work' we'd need to go further into the relationship and her psychology. Last, a number of the supporting roles tend towards clichés about both the upper and lower class. And that oversimplifying takes something away from the complex character Davis builds. But all that said, there are beautiful images and magical moments. It just didn't quite hold up to my memories of first seeing it 30 years ago. But if you've never seen it, you still certainly should.
banshee-liam
An overlooked masterpiece. Not only did Gillian Armstrong's direction serve the material superbly, but Judy Davis's Sybilla was one of the boldest film debuts I've ever seen. The gasps heard all over the theater when Sam Neill is first seen (from Sybilla's POV in the tree) also made an indelible impression.Perhaps most impressive is the screenplay, which greatly improves on what turned out to be a good novel so dated that it is all the more amazing that anyone ever thought to make it into a film. The musical score was also a delight.Most confusing to me is that it has taken so long for it to be released on home video. A major addition to any thinking film-goer's home library.
wheresmyoj
If not to see a young Sam Niel or for the gorgeous landscapes of Australia that set the film, see this movie for an interesting viewpoint on feminism and the outback all in one. The main character, Sybylla, is constantly insulted by her alleged friends and family, though they don't intend it directly. Her character's flaky-ness doesn't help her plight as a female in a society hell-bent on marrying her off, but the character's story is worth renting this for.
AD
