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Jessica

  • TV Movie
  • 2004
  • 3h 16m
IMDb RATING
7.4/10
569
YOUR RATING
Jessica (2004)
Jessica: Get Down!
Play clip3:03
Watch Jessica: Get Down!
1 Video
4 Photos
Drama

Young Jessica is sent to a mental asylum by her rotten family on a false pretense. Her only chance is a down-on-his-luck boozing lawyer.Young Jessica is sent to a mental asylum by her rotten family on a false pretense. Her only chance is a down-on-his-luck boozing lawyer.Young Jessica is sent to a mental asylum by her rotten family on a false pretense. Her only chance is a down-on-his-luck boozing lawyer.

  • Director
    • Peter Andrikidis
  • Writers
    • Bryce Courtenay
    • Peter Yeldham
  • Stars
    • Leeanna Walsman
    • Lisa Harrow
    • Sam Neill
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.4/10
    569
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Peter Andrikidis
    • Writers
      • Bryce Courtenay
      • Peter Yeldham
    • Stars
      • Leeanna Walsman
      • Lisa Harrow
      • Sam Neill
    • 16User reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 5 wins & 4 nominations total

    Videos1

    Jessica: Get Down!
    Clip 3:03
    Jessica: Get Down!

    Photos3

    View Poster
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    View Poster

    Top cast59

    Edit
    Leeanna Walsman
    Leeanna Walsman
    • Jessica Bergman
    Lisa Harrow
    Lisa Harrow
    • Hester Bergman
    Sam Neill
    Sam Neill
    • Richard Runche
    Tony Martin
    Tony Martin
    • Joe Bergman
    Megan Cooper
    • Meg Bergman
    • (as Megan Dorman)
    John Howard
    John Howard
    • George Thomas
    Oliver Ackland
    Oliver Ackland
    • Jack Thomas
    Wil Traval
    Wil Traval
    • Billy Simple
    Natasha Wanganeen
    • Mary Simpson
    Kerry Walker
    Kerry Walker
    • Mrs. Baker
    Heather Mitchell
    Heather Mitchell
    • Ada Thomas
    Huw Higginson
    Huw Higginson
    • Prosecuter
    George Andrikidis
    • Blacksmith
    David Baldwin
    David Baldwin
    • Magistrate
    Simon Chilvers
    Simon Chilvers
    • Judge
    Ivan Clarke
    • Banjo
    Richard Connell
    • Lad
    Felix Dean
    • Joey Thomas (Aged 6)
    • Director
      • Peter Andrikidis
    • Writers
      • Bryce Courtenay
      • Peter Yeldham
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews16

    7.4569
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    Featured reviews

    oliverl-1

    One of the Highlights of 2004

    "Jessica" is a dramatic and heartfelt true story. The adaptation of Bryce Courtenay's novel is more wonderful than I could ever have expected, as it tells the story of a gut-wrenching story of a hapless life. The acting is brilliant all around.

    Leanna Walsman is perfect as main character Jessica Bergman, with her good looks and her extreme talent she tells a remarkable story of a heartbreaking life.

    Oliver Ackland is excellent as Jack Thomas, the love of both Jessica and her spoiled sister Meg's (Megan Dorman) life, with his handsome charm and love for Jessica, how can you not like him? Wil Traval is just as superb as Billy Simple, the brain-damaged friend of Jessica & Jack. Traval puts in a beautiful performance.

    Sam Neill is wonderful as the drunken lawyer of both Billy & Jessica, Neill is the icing on the cake. Tony Martin is also great as Jessica's dad Joe, his love and support for Jessica is beautiful. With other great supporting actors such as Lisa Harrow, Megan Dorman and John Howard "Jessica" is a soulful and riveting mini-series. 10/10
    8crazy_pinkchick

    A story of the life a girl who lives in the bush with her family. Set in the harsh Australian outback, this is a sad but very moving story

    This is the mini series based on the novel Jessica by Bryce Courtenay. It was well written and the characters were well played; however I felt as though there was a lot of material missing that was in the novel that would have been significant to the story. I understand that it would have been difficult to have everything from the novel in the movie. I was satisfied with the movie though I enjoyed the book much more. I had just finished reading the book, and watching the story and the characters come to life was great. It made me cry just as much as the book. If you liked the mini series then I insist you read the book. It is a great read and a very moving story. It will help you understand the story better.
    bboop

    short but sweet

    I thought this movie was absolutely excellent. Leeanna Walsman was so convincing as the lead character 'Jessica' that i'm still feeling upset about her plight two days after seeing the story. This truly is one of those shows that you really want to find out what happens but feel a little disappointed that it has to end.

    Great acting from the whole cast, beautiful cinematography and a story that'll keep you talking for days. Having not read the book i'm not sure how the movie has measured up to the novel but i have to say this is the best telemovie i have ever seen. If you have an interest in Australian history or simply love a good story you wont be disappointed with this one. As i said "absolutely excellent".
    10kholland84

    fantastic!!

    WOW!!! I absolutely loved this mini series!! everything about it was fantastic! I didn't want it to end. I laughed, I cried, I was kept in suspense, everything a good drama should be :) Would of loved a happy ending though :) The acting was awesome and it was great to see new Aussie talent teaming up with some of the veterans of TV and film. Leanna Walsman was fantastic as Jessica as well as Sam Neill's character! Lisa Harrow's portrayal of Hester was fantastic i loved to hate her!! It was just great acting all around! The story was great as well, Bryce Courtenay has captured a great tale in his book "Jessica" and it was just great to see it being brought to life in this movie. I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS!!!! 10/10
    Black_Velvet_Au

    Captivating refreshing honest look at one girl's journey

    Usually I don't enjoy Australian mini series due to the fact that most of the actors can not act but as I sat down to watch Jessica I was captivated. Jessica is an honest refreshing look at a young girl's journey through a tragic life.

    Leeanna Walsman who plays Jessica is refreshing and shoulder's the response of carrying a mini series on her small shoulders. She brings the character to life and is quite believable. This is one girl who will be going places.

    Sam Neill is impressive as the drunken Runchie who helps Jessica out and is quite believable.

    Lisa Harrow is quite scary as the believable evil mother who sacrifices one daughter for the sake of another. Theirs never been a person I have felt pure hatred for until i met Hester Bergman.i felt she brought the character to life and felt real sorry for Jessica for having a mother like her.

    Tony Martin as Joe Bergman (Jess's father) fitted into his role quite nicely. He was believable as the lovable yet detached Joe who looked after his tomboy daughter while his wife was busy with Meg their other daughter who was all into frills and boys.

    Olive Ackland as the lovable cute Jack Thomas is a face to watch for. His excellent in his roles and captivates the audience as we see his character grow throughout the film.

    All in all the movie was amazing experience to watch and I'll never forget it. I haven't read the book but i can not wait to go out and buy it. Jessica was truly an amazing person who grew stronger each day...

    The scenery was beautiful and the whole cast made an amazing mini series that they should be proud off. I don't want to describe what happens because it will ruin the series.

    I give this a 10/10 and recommended it anyone who loves mini series and true stories.

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    Related interests

    Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)
    Drama

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Lisa Harrow and Sam Neill also worked together on The Final Conflict (1981).
    • Quotes

      Jessica Bergman: [whispers] Fuck You.

      Meg Bergman: Jessica swore at me.

      Joe Bergman: What did you say to your sister?

      Jessica Bergman: [screams] I said "fuck you"!

      Joe Bergman: That's not swearing. Swearing is when you don't mean it. She meant it.

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • July 18, 2004 (Australia)
    • Country of origin
      • Australia
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Джессіка
    • Filming locations
      • Carcoar, New South Wales, Australia
    • Production companies
      • Power
      • Powercorp
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    • Budget
      • $7,200,000 (estimated)
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

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    • Runtime
      • 3h 16m(196 min)
    • Color
      • Color

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