Title: The Dish
Director: Rob Stich
Original Release: 2000
My Overall Rating: 4 stars out of 5
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| via Amazon |
Sam Neill and Patrick Warburton star in this remarkable story. The film is shot on location so we get to experience the actual dish - still very much in use - on an intimate level. The staff sit on the dish during their smoking breaks as it is raised and lowered. They practice cricket in its bowl. The security guard gets spooked by grazing sheep in the fields surrounding. We are witness to the charms and occasional embarrassments of small town politics as the mayor and his wife play host to both Australian and American dignitaries as the landing nears. It takes a little while for tension to enter the story but when disaster strikes, it hits hard.
Not surprisingly, the real magic comes during the landing itself. I wasn't even born yet in 1969 but the emotional impact of the moment is transcendent, clearly evident in every face on screen. The filmmakers had the good sense to include authentic footage from the time period, too.
The movie is sweet, its imagery stunning and its characters charming. It could certainly hold its own with other space exploration films like The Right Stuff and Apollo 13. Its lighthearted feel would make for a nice change of pace in that mini film fest, too.
Trivia challenge again for June! Pick your own movie to share. Post three clues on Friday, June 3rd. Post your reveal and review on Friday, June 10th. Meanwhile, please visit my friends today:
Yippee-I have not missed this time out:) I haven't even heard of this film but it sounds like such a good sweet movie. I was 5 years old and I remember the landing...not because I was in awe of the landing but I was watching Bugs Bunny and my brother changed the channel to the moon landing. I took a screaming fit! My brother was trying to convince me how special this moment is but I would have none of that, I wanted my Bugs Bunny back. I admit to this..yes...I do:)
ReplyDeleteI'd never heard of it before parsnip's review either. Glad to have found it.
DeleteYippee-I have not missed this time out:) I haven't even heard of this film but it sounds like such a good sweet movie. I was 5 years old and I remember the landing...not because I was in awe of the landing but I was watching Bugs Bunny and my brother changed the channel to the moon landing. I took a screaming fit! My brother was trying to convince me how special this moment is but I would have none of that, I wanted my Bugs Bunny back. I admit to this..yes...I do:)
ReplyDeleteGreat story! The idea of historical perspective does not come easily to children.
DeleteI have been so caught up with the trials of thehamish I I didn't know you were reviewing this movie.
ReplyDeleteA favorite of mine. I enjoyed the lighthearted feel you talk about a very nice change from the more technical based movie.
But I still love the fun cover with all the sheep and the dish best. That is what made me want to watch this movie.
I remember all the space flights and the walk on the moon. Yes, I am that old !
cheers, parsnip and thehamish
It's a lot of fun. Thank you for introducing this one to me!
DeleteI've long wanted to see it if just for Warburton (I've long been a fan).
ReplyDeleteHe does well in a remarkably understated role by his standards.
DeleteI love Warburton, so I mau have to see this.
ReplyDeleteAgain, it's not his typical role at all but he handles it well.
DeleteI remember when angryparsnip reviewed this. I added it to my TBW list then and am bumping it up now. I totally want to see this movie. Like you say, "I wasn't even born yet in 1969 but the emotional impact of the moment is transcendent." I just finished reading the Martian and feel like this would be a good time to see this film... Wonder if I can find it?
ReplyDeleteI got it through Netflix - not streaming, unfortunately, but on DVD.
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