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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
    View Poster
    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

    10ka-ry-na

    My opinion of the fantastic production "Jessica".

    It's one of the best movies (mini-series) i have ever seen. It was touching, nice and one of few movies that made me cry. It was tension and excitement that kept me interested trough three hour's (i suppose). I could relate the story to real life situations and all the dramatic things that kept the movie going was sad. In the end, i had a deep compassion with Jessica (the main character) and I also once again as many times before realized how cruel people can be and how hard life can be.

    As talking about people, the actors were brilliant. Escpecially Jessica- Leanna Walsmann and her mother played by Lisa Harrow. Lisa's acting was so brilliant that I really hated her at some points of the movie. All the actors just play very trustworthy.

    The Australian landscape is as always beautiful and as I wished to move to Australia a couple year's, this movie changed my mind, thanks to all the snakes.

    All in all a movie everyone have to see. 10 stars!!!
    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.
    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
    10moose_on_the_loose_101

    Nothing ruins an adaptation more than expectations. Nevertheless I thought it was amazing

    I may not be a film critic, but I know a good piece of film when I see it and I know that I loved Jessica. Contrary to what others may think, I thought this was an amazing movie. Having never read the book, I see this film differently as I have no previous expectations, and nothing ruins an adaptation more than expectations. Nevertheless I thought there was some brilliant acting by fellow Aussies Leeanna Walsman, Oliver Ackland,(not just a pretty face)and the unbelievably amazing Sam Neil. I found Ackland and Walsman captivating, as was their on screen chemistry, what's a good love story without chemistry, right? oh and a few evil family members. These actors brought their characters to life. I mark a good movie by its ability to move the audience. If it can make me cry, laugh, yell out in anger, hide in embarrassment, then obviously the actors are doing something right! I did find it hard to find faults in the film, apart from the absence of a traditional happy ending, but then they tend to sometimes be a tad clique and corny, don't they? Ending aside I found this a memorable piece of Aussie drama. I applaud everyone involved, you should be proud. Hopefully if it's released onto DVD, GW, It will certainly find a place in my collection.
    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

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

    Tech specs

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

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