Perth Walkabout - The Insider's Guide to Perth Western Australia

Heath Ledger in Two Hands at the Como Theatre - Exhumed Cinema at Strange Festival

Details: Written by: Nita Teoh; Published: 12 June 2024

On a cool winter’s evening, my partner and I headed to the Como Theatre (in its previous life it was known as the Cygnet Cinema).

This theatre brings back fond memories of when I was younger and my family used to go there to watch a movie and spend time together.

Stepping into the renovated theatre was a treat as we admired its restored art deco trimmings in all their splendour, with intricate nautical motifs adorning the side of the walls near our seats.

Armed with a big box of popcorn and a drink we listened to a live music performance by singer songwriter Rachael Coltrona, giving a song tribute to the Two Hands soundtrack.

Two Hands is a cult classic (1999) starring Perth’s own Heath Ledger. In this quintessential Aussie film about bad guys in King's Cross, Ledger plays the role of a Jimmy, a young strip club promoter who gets in trouble with Sydney gangsters when his first job for them goes seriously wrong.

Its a thriller, crime and a comedy all in one.

Divertimento at Luna

Details: Written by: Nita Teoh; Published: 11 June 2024

As we headed towards Windsor Cinema on a coolish winter’s evening, my friend and I were looking forward to watching the French movie Divertimento.

Two young teenage sisters of Algerian descent (aspiring conductor Zahia and cellist Fettouma) – are both passionate musicians talented enough to join the exclusive classical symphonic musical scene in Paris. Thrown into a different world compared to their upbringing out in the suburbs as part of an Algerian family, this beautiful movie tells the inspirational story of their rise to success in the classical musical scene.

Confronting a stiff and unbending approach from musical bureaucracy and its academics, chauvinism and taunting from their peers, this film is testament to making your dreams come true despite setbacks and adversity along the path to success.

The Teacher who Promised the Sea at the Spanish Film Festival

Details: Written by: Nita Teoh; Published: 30 May 2024

The Spanish Film Festival in Perth is just around the corner and my friend and I were lucky enough to preview The Teacher Who Promised the Sea (El maestro que prometió el mar ) at Palace Cinemas Raine Square – the centrepiece of the Festival.

The unique and quaint film title bubbled up in my head in the lead up to watching the movie – curiosity aroused in me as to what story might unfold in the movie.

Young and determined Ariadna (Laia Costa) sets out on a mission to discover the hidden past of her ailing grandfather’s father – something that has not been talked about in her family. She arrives at the exhumation of a mass burial plot close to where her great grandfather resided back in the day, but as it turns out this is only the start of her investigations.

Alongside this plot line, we also follow the story of Antoni Benaiges (Enric Auquer) a teacher from Catalonia who in 1935 is assigned to teach children in Burgos (in a small village called Bañuelos de Bureba). While the kids thrive under his tutelage, his innovative teaching methods are viewed with disdain from the local community.

Radical Afternoon Tea at Luna Leederville

Details: Written by: Greg Letts; Published: 28 May 2024

In a world where many movies set in impoverished circumstances dial up the violence, crime and brutality to 11, Radical is a welcome change of scene, faithfully following the standard trope of well-meaning middle-class teacher with new ideas coming to work with disadvantaged schoolchildren, but telling the familiar story with warmth and wit.

Set in Mexico in 2011, Sergio Correa, a teacher who had a breakdown at his previous school, arrives at the Jose Urbina Lopez elementary school to teach sixth grade. In a town where poverty, crime and violence are everywhere, and gunshots can be heard from the classroom, Sergio has the radical idea of teaching his students to think creatively for themselves, instead of just trying to prepare them for the standardised tests that the government makes all children take.

Hesitation Wound at Revelation Perth International Film Festival

Details: Written by: Nita Teoh; Published: 26 May 2024

As I waited for my friend to arrive at Luna Leederville, there was an exciting buzz in the foyer as patrons waited to watch the feature film Hesitation Wound, and for the official program launch of the Revelation Perth International Festival.

Hesitation Wound is a legal thriller by Director Selman Nacar - it revolves around the story of Canan, a lawyer who is tasked to defend a young man for the murder of his boss at a factory where he used to work.

Meanwhile, Canan is battling with her own personal problem – her Mum is in hospital in a coma with no hope in sight.

Hesitation Wound was an interesting movie from a myriad of angles – it keeps the film goer riveted as the story unravels and we are left wondering whether the young man did indeed commit the crime that he is accused of.

The Beast at Luna

Details: Written by: Nita Teoh; Published: 21 May 2024

On a sunny Saturday morning, my partner and I headed down Oxford St to Luna Leederville to watch The Beast (Le Bête).

Starring Léa Seydoux (One Fine Morning, Farewell, My Queen, Blue is the Warmest Colour) as Gabrielle Monnier , and George MacKay as Louis Lewanski, each actor plays 3 different characters spanning over 3 different time periods.

It is an intriguing movie that might best be described as a sci-fi romantic drama – with a thriller and noir element thrown in for good measure.

And intriguing it was, as we were hurled between modern times, back to the past (into Belle Époque-era Paris) and into the future (2044) of a world controlled by AI’s, where feelings are muted through re-programming

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Heath Ledger in Two Hands at the Como Theatre - Exhumed Cinema at Strange Festival

Divertimento at Luna

The Teacher who Promised the Sea at the Spanish Film Festival

Radical Afternoon Tea at Luna Leederville

Hesitation Wound at Revelation Perth International Film Festival

The Beast at Luna