12 Australian Films You Must See Before You Die
11. The Castle
Ask natives what their favourite Australian film is and this will be the answer for many of them. This low budget 1997 comedy is a film with a whole lot of heart and some of the most iconic lines put to film.
The tale explores working class family the Kerrigans and their battle with government authorities to save their home. The film pulls off a great double act in having us laughing at the Kerrigan's Bogan(Aussie term for Chav) characteristics while cheering for them in their David v Goliath battle. Lawyer Dennis Denuto is the film's true star, a hilariously awful barrister completely out of his depth. His central legal argument, that "it's just the vibe", is a true comic gem.
The film is also notable as the first film role for Eric Bana, who displays great comic nous with his role as a dimwitted, slow talking Karate teacher. Bana soon turned to more serious roles before moving to the US to develop his career, but rewatching this reminds you what a great comic talent he is.