Australian Rules (film)

Australian Rules, is a 2002 drama film directed by Paul Goldman. The film was adapted from the novels Deadly, Unna? and Nukkin Ya by Phillip Gwynne. It stars Nathan Phillips, Luke Carroll, Tom Budge, Brian Torry and Lisa Flanagan. The film is about a young man experiencing the hardships of growing up in rural South Australia. In particular, it deals with the issue of racial relationships through the central characters, their involvement in local Australian rules football, and aboriginal players. The film was launched at the Adelaide Festival of Arts onMarch 2002, and nationwide onAugust 2002.

Disgruntled, Dumby and his cousin Pretty Tony Briggs attempt to rob the bar where the celebrations were held, hoping to find the bestonground medal. After breaking into the bar, they meet the drunk owner, beat him into unconsciousness and proceed to the safe with the key found in his pocket. Bob, waking to find the owner unconscious with a head wound, heads to the office and loads a doublebarrelled shotgun. Bob sneaks up behind Dumby and fires a shot into the figure in the darkness. Bob discovers he has killed Dumby. Pretty, whos been hiding behind the door, jumps him and points the gun at his neck. Pretty reveals himself by removing his makeshift balaclava. He doesnt shoot Bob but fires the remaining round into the ceiling and runs away into the darkness. Bob is questioned by police over the shooting but is let off on the grounds of selfdefense. Blacky is devastated over Dumbys death and angrily tosses his premiership medal into the lake. Clarence and Blacky console each other and fall in love. Bob and the family are greeted with hostility and harassed by the local Aboriginals which only further fuels Bobs violent temper and bigotry.Clarence sneaks into Blackys room one night and they make love. The next morning Bob discovers them in bed and beats Blacky. He racially insults Clarence and throws her out. Fed up with his father, Blacky leaves. Blacky meets with Dumbys family and attends his funeral. He aqquires the best on ground medal and places it in Dumbys casket. After returning home he is confronted by Bob and is told he is no longer welcome in his house due to his relationship with Clarence. Blacky defiantly stands still even after Bob punches him repeatedly. Defeated and exhausted, Bob leaves the family never to come back. The football team is disbanded as no Aboriginal players show up to training or games. The film ends with Blacky and Clarence jumping into the lake and swimming in the water. ........

Source: Wikipedia