NO doubt about it: the mere mention of anything to do with the 'Land of Oz' instantly piques my interest. No surprise...And always, my imagination rises to the occasion. To wit, I conjure only the best images: adventure in the Outback, pretty women galore, the entire continent as a vast expanse of one of the last frontiers worthy to explore and Australia's colorful people. All of them. To wit, in 'Down Under' there's no shortage of the those 'good things in life'. Some are even free to experience. Someday, I'll get there.For sure, the film 'Broken Hill' explores some of the aforementioned attributes. And the producers and directors do so with a sensibility and sensitivity that is all too lacking in Hollywood past and present. For example: conspicuously absent from the plot are the usual Big Studio suspects: gratuitous sex, mindless blather, random violence in any form and exceptionalism based on one's nationality. And we're spared the useless sitting around the dinner table, gorging gobble-gobble scenes.To wit, this story shuns all those 'normal' instant gratification gambits that Hollywood seems to thrive on. Instead, we the viewer are respected: a good film should begin with a solid plot. And end with denouement. Well, the director in Broken Hill does just that. In 'All Aussie' style too. Every single scene revolves around real persons. And those characters really are presented in a real sense. Warts and all.Luke Arnold, as main character Tommy McAlpine gives a good impression of the Australian indelible character/spirit even in youth. Alexa Vega, as Kat Rogers, an ex-pat American's high school student daughter, is equal to the task. We soon learn too, that Kat is more Aussie than she appears. Many occasions, Kat's all too 'advanced' cultural roots in America belie her true feelings. Just ask her, Tommy boy! Took him long enough to broach her on this hot topic though.Moreover, Alexa more than once scolds Tommy on the importance of being earnest: human beings are all connected, totally aside from nationalities and/or birth rights. At least, she said it should be that way. Significant others agree too: President Bill Clinton aptly put it plainly in his book, 'Back to work', "We're all in this together". Well said, Sir!The rest of the cast really did a 'smashing job' of their roles too. Timothy Hutton, is a fine example. As Tommy's dad, George McAlpine, Tim is every bit an Aussie as are the mighty likes of Mick Dundee, Paul Hogan, the Wallabies... OK. I over shot with the last group.And did I mention the local music and the cinematography? Both are altogether pleasing if not down right out-from-under-this-world. And that fellow playing the steel guitar...G-day!

I, without a doubt, give the max grade to this movie and as of tonight it made my TOP 10 EVER list of movies. If you're looking for that special something, the out-of-the-box thinking coupled with good advice, lots of perseverance, focus on the goal and hard work. The road is bumpy and not without surprises but the ultimate result of Tommy's work in teaming up inmates for evading their status quo by reaching out the freedom of expression through music is unbelievable. I have never had so much energy from a piece of music such as Tommy's concert in Sydney. Kat sees the real Tommy and that changes her scary life down- spiral, too. They both find love in the community project that changed many lives. Family matters, friendship and good over evil prevail, it's all around a great movie to watch. Strongly recommended to families with children.

I really enjoyed this film. Despite 'warnings' from friends that thought the acting was a little cheesy, I found that the entire film was enjoyable and engaging. I was particularly impressed with the message of the film and how the main character was forced to deal with the circumstances that he found himself in. Having an artistic vision can be painful when the artist is unable to bring his or her art to fruition. It was refreshing to see a story void of sex and violence, but that maintained elements of romance while portraying the conflict between destiny and circumstance. I would highly recommend this film for anyone who enjoyed August Rush, or other films that feature the theme of music being an inseparable part of our lives, in many modes and forms.

I liked this film. It was a bit slow and I would have liked to have seen more musical progress at the jail house .. but I can understand that they wanted you to wait until the end to see how it turned out. I like that it is Australia-based. Definitely better than the other movies I have seen this summer. I went with my boyfriend for my birthday. I was concerned that he would not like it. But he said that he liked it. THere were a few cute lines in the movie referencing the trouble men get in on account of women. Most of the other movie goers were quite old in the movie. There is no sex or violence at all. It is a safe movie for a first date or family event. No one will be offended by the movie. Also, no annoying political undertones.