It's not every day that you come across a film as rebellious and razor-sharp as 'Broken English' from 1981. Directed by the visionary Gregor Nicholas, this film spun a tale wrapped in a controversial blanket that made critics squirm. They weren't ready for its raw brilliance. What is 'Broken English'? It’s a drama that hits you right where it hurts, set in New Zealand, this socially rebellious story of lost love and turbulent cultural mixing was a shockwave against the then, and perhaps still, overly sensitive liberal film landscapes.
Let’s look at what made this film an underdog masterpiece. First, the story is a cocktail of cultural whirlwinds, exploring the life of a Yugoslavian woman tangled in the throes of passion and cultural identity in New Zealand - talk about audacious storytelling! Nicholas cleverly juxtaposes the immigrant's search for identity with the everyday struggles faced by society. Oh, and let's not forget that underlying tone peppered with societal commentary that often gets lost in translation amongst the loud clamor of politically correct cinema.
The performance by the cast is nothing less than riveting. Polish actress Rade Serbedzija and Australian overachiever Rebeka Feruglio carry a story woven with strands of love, betrayal, and the quest for belonging. Each character, nuanced and striking in their delivery, paints a picture of a group of immigrants pitted against the odds. Here’s a dose of reality for all you idealists: it's not a fairy tale world out there! This film bravely explores not just love, but its often tumultuous consequences—the kind many modern films shy away from.
Now, about the visual aesthetics. The film isn’t a Hollywood parade of over-saturated CGI that assaults the senses. No, 'Broken English' shuns this in favor of gritty cinematography that leaves a lasting impact. These visuals enhance the storytelling instead of overpowering it, something contemporary films could take a lesson from. Besides, in the world of flash and fake, it's refreshing to see some raw authenticity ring through.
Diving into the themes, 'Broken English' isn’t just a mushy love story. It’s a mirror held up to society, reflecting back the complexities and clashes of cultural integration—elements today's films sometimes gloss over in favor of a feel-good agenda. The film doesn't bow down to the fluffy ideals of universal happy endings. It dares to show life's messy truths, which is more than can be said for most "woke" productions swarming the film industry today.
On another note, this film poses some serious questions about immigration and cultural identity, that inevitably expose the liberal fallacy of open borders and seamless integration. The film leaves viewers pondering the shifts in identity and the societal disruption that often accompanies the assimilation of immigrants—contrary to those far-fetched fairy tale notions presented in your everyday, virtue-signaling cinema.
Let's talk dialog. The raw, unfiltered exchanges make every conversation weighty with meaning. Unlike today's scriptwriting in many films, where characters drip with manufactured wisdom or politically correct sentiments, 'Broken English' isn’t afraid to serve you some raw dialogue without spoonfuls of sugar coating.
Finally, the film’s run may not have been a box-office hit because let's face it—the truth often attracts more backlash than fanfare. But it remains a culturally significant piece, especially in an age where films often shy away from showcasing genuine struggles in favor of romanticized narratives. Anyone who dismisses 'Broken English' must be too tangled in their cocoon of cinema comfort that offers nothing but escapism.
Yes, even in 1981, this film was ahead of its time. It predicted cultural dialogs we're arguing about 40 years later. So, if you're one of those who advocate for sensible societal conversations instead of being drowned out by the loud but substance-lacking cinema of today, give this underrated film a chance. Dive into a narrative that doesn’t hold back from real-life implications, nor does it compromise on artistic integrity.