Road to Nhill

This films quietly shouts the word 'laconic'.

A small country town where nothing much happens, and this film takes us right along with the 'action'...except the action is in slow motion and the characterisations, are slowly and beautifully formed.

If you're not in a hurry for a good time, and really DO enjoy seeing paint dry...this is for you.

I like watching paint dry. The colour darkens and the true character emerges.

I first saw this film while I was staying for a time in Australia and fell in love with it. I found it to be highly entertaining and fascinating. If you love the people, the lifestyle, and the slower pace of Australian small towns (as I do), then you should love this movie.

The characterizations are perfect and the acting is charming! This film is a masterpiece at capturing a slice of life! While it is not a "high budget" mega film, it does something that most films can't do. It captures the charm and appeal of life in small towns, and presents it in such a way that we can relate to the situation and story, and actually feel like we are there watching the events unfold.

If I could find a copy of this film for myself, I would gladly buy it and add it to my personal collection!

I squirmed as I watched this movie as it reminded me of my past. I belonged to a small town Fire Brigade that was more than a tad unprofessional especially in the way we wore (or not wore) our uniforms to a fire. If you come or have come from a small town you will love this movie. The deliberate lack of pace is it's strength. The stellar cast of well known Australian actors do a wonderful job of portraying characters in a small town. The deliberate use of brown in the movie colouring adds to the atmosphere. Using Phillip Adams ( a well known atheist) as God added an ironic touch.Be prepared to let the movie develop at it's own pace. It you are in a hurry don't watch it as you will miss the point.Enjoy!!

I'm saddened to hear negative comments on this beautiful ensemble piece by an amazing assemblage of senior citizen actors and others not so old. I doubt that many beyond Australia will get their hands on a copy as it's rare even on home ground. You definitely need an eye for subtle hints at all the subtexts in this investigation of a minor crisis in the life of a sleepy town in the middle of nowhere.

I just loved the subtle manipulation of the situation by the bachelor farmer to try and get a foot in the door for a formal courtship of one of the lady bowlers involved in the accident - and her squirming to try and get out of it without offending the poor lummox.

His neighbour the pig farmer is too interested in perching like a crow on a fence watching the inept antics of the various emergency services crews around the 'wreck' to actually do the one useful thing he's been asked to - and take one of the old dears in to the hospital for a check-up.

There are so many apparent inconsequentialities which weigh heavy on the minds of these townsfolk that you don't wonder at all that they should have ended up where they are. It's all as God intended.

My only niggle is in the rather peculiar choice of gamelan music (abruptly cut off for God's voice-over) in the opening credits. All else is quite consistent with the setting and mood of the play.

I loved this movie because I grew up in a country town not far from Nhill.

The story starts out with 4 friends who have a car accident on the way to lawn bowls. The town responds with the usual, "she'll be right, mate" attitude that I remember with fond affection.

The acting is brilliant as it captures the various characters that we all remember.

"The road to Nhill" is a beautifully shot and acted piece of Australian cinema. But it is not everyone's cup of tea. My friend who grew up in Nhill said it reminded him of all the reasons he moved to the city.

Life in an Australian town starts slow and by afternoon tea time comes to a complete stop. Loved it!