There were some good films this month that are recommended for viewing. These included Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale and Kangaroo.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale: This is a period drama, and as usual done well by the British. For people who had not seen any previous episodes of “Downton Abbey”, it was easy to follow the story. Set in 1930’s the costuming was superb. The film captured London town at the height of the traditional “season" when all the wealthy headed to their city house. There is a variety of characters - all acted well. It was obvious that the actors enjoyed themselves as the major characters were all still playing the same roles. One of the outstanding characters in the television series and earlier films was the late Maggie Smith, and they included cameos of her at the end of the film and occasional glimpses of paintings. The plot wound up the stories of the key players very well. This was rated as 3.5/5.
Kangaroo: This is an excellent movie, inspired by the work of Chris 'Brolga' Barns caring for injured kangaroos. It is a tale of a self-centred TV presenter stranded in a small town near Alice Springs. He is transformed through having to relate to the townspeople and a young girl and her mother, grieving the loss of their father/husband. There are many cultural references around respect and care for the land and an insight into Aboriginal spirituality. It is a family movie, suiting children and adults. It was beautifully filmed to show off the magnificent outback. There was a good balance of humour and drama, with a positive message of what is important in life. Lily Whiteley, the young indigenous actor has a bright future ahead of her. Deborah Mailman was excellent as usual. It was rated as 3.5/5.
The Roses: Starting out as the ideal couple, Ivy (Olivia Coleman) and Theo (Benedict Cumberbach) were madly in love, had successful careers as a chef and architect, a great marriage and two lovely children. Throughout the movie, it all disintegrated. The film was quite dark at times but also had many comical moments in true British humour style. The two leads seemed to be enjoying their roles and acting was effortless. Supporting actors provided a good balance. Beautiful scenery and loved the music. A criticism was too much swearing. A lot of fun. This was rated as 4.0/5.
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey: This movie may not be for everyone. There are elements of fantasy used as a mechanism for two young people revisiting their past experiences, coming to terms with impacts on their lives. On a cross-country trip, they come to various doors standing in the middle of nowhere. Walking through the door leads to reliving the experiences. It could be worthwhile concentrating on the soundtrack as there were times when the songs related to the experience of the young couple. This was rated a 3.5/5.
One of our members attended the Korean Film Festival screened in Benalla over the weekend of 13/14 September. The two films seen were well received, with ratings of 3.5/5 and 4.0/5. Keep an eye out for the 2026 Korean Film Festival if we are lucky enough to screen it in Benalla.
There were also two screenings of the Andre Rieu's 2025 Maastricht Concert: Waltz the Night Away!. These are generally well received so two screenings were arranged as requested by the Benalla community. Look out for his Christmas concert in December.
Joy Shirley
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale: This is a period drama, and as usual done well by the British. For people who had not seen any previous episodes of “Downton Abbey”, it was easy to follow the story. Set in 1930’s the costuming was superb. The film captured London town at the height of the traditional “season" when all the wealthy headed to their city house. There is a variety of characters - all acted well. It was obvious that the actors enjoyed themselves as the major characters were all still playing the same roles. One of the outstanding characters in the television series and earlier films was the late Maggie Smith, and they included cameos of her at the end of the film and occasional glimpses of paintings. The plot wound up the stories of the key players very well. This was rated as 3.5/5.
Kangaroo: This is an excellent movie, inspired by the work of Chris 'Brolga' Barns caring for injured kangaroos. It is a tale of a self-centred TV presenter stranded in a small town near Alice Springs. He is transformed through having to relate to the townspeople and a young girl and her mother, grieving the loss of their father/husband. There are many cultural references around respect and care for the land and an insight into Aboriginal spirituality. It is a family movie, suiting children and adults. It was beautifully filmed to show off the magnificent outback. There was a good balance of humour and drama, with a positive message of what is important in life. Lily Whiteley, the young indigenous actor has a bright future ahead of her. Deborah Mailman was excellent as usual. It was rated as 3.5/5.
The Roses: Starting out as the ideal couple, Ivy (Olivia Coleman) and Theo (Benedict Cumberbach) were madly in love, had successful careers as a chef and architect, a great marriage and two lovely children. Throughout the movie, it all disintegrated. The film was quite dark at times but also had many comical moments in true British humour style. The two leads seemed to be enjoying their roles and acting was effortless. Supporting actors provided a good balance. Beautiful scenery and loved the music. A criticism was too much swearing. A lot of fun. This was rated as 4.0/5.
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey: This movie may not be for everyone. There are elements of fantasy used as a mechanism for two young people revisiting their past experiences, coming to terms with impacts on their lives. On a cross-country trip, they come to various doors standing in the middle of nowhere. Walking through the door leads to reliving the experiences. It could be worthwhile concentrating on the soundtrack as there were times when the songs related to the experience of the young couple. This was rated a 3.5/5.
One of our members attended the Korean Film Festival screened in Benalla over the weekend of 13/14 September. The two films seen were well received, with ratings of 3.5/5 and 4.0/5. Keep an eye out for the 2026 Korean Film Festival if we are lucky enough to screen it in Benalla.
There were also two screenings of the Andre Rieu's 2025 Maastricht Concert: Waltz the Night Away!. These are generally well received so two screenings were arranged as requested by the Benalla community. Look out for his Christmas concert in December.
Joy Shirley
