Heart Of The Man – REVIEW
Image: HEART OF THE MAN. film still
Heart Of The Man is a nicely written and highly emotional Indigenous LGBTQ coming of age drama. Collectively, with the meaningful dialogue, this should prove to be a cinematic experience that touches the most hardened and insensitive of moviegoers.
The story centres on Chris, an 18-year-old amateur boxer who is living his father’s dream of making it to the top in the world of boxing. Chris is fighting his own demons, confused about his sexual identity. His life changes when he joins a theatre group. “A place where underrepresented voices are heard and valued” – he discovers friendship, but more significantly, love.
His father Sammy is a washed-up boxer, also fighting his own demons over the death of his wife. He’s obsessed that his son must be a successful boxer. “It’s my job to teach Chris the ways – to make him a warrior!” he explains. “Bring that title home for the both of us!” he tells his son.
But is Chris following his heart in chasing a promising career as a champion boxer? Is it right for a father to expect his son to follow in his footsteps? And what secret surrounding the death of his wife is tearing Sammy apart?
This drama concerning loss, grief, following your own goals and seeing yourself for who you really are, is one of those rare poignant Australian gems that should have audiences triumphantly cheering in their seats.
Indigenous actor David Cook plays the role of Sammy Wundurra and is also credited as writer, director, and producer. He delivers a memorable performance as the overbearing father who will stop at nothing for his son to be a warrior. But how will he react when he discovers his son is in a gay relationship?
Up and coming young actor Parker Little portrays Chris Wundurra, and through his brilliant performance as a confused and anguished young man, has establishes himself as an actor with a bright future.
Indigenous actress Roxanne McDonald, who plays the role of Sammy’s mother, is a veteran of Queensland theatre and shines in her small but pivotal role. She delivers some very significant lines of dialogue: “Kinda feels like you’re living out your father’s dream. I know you just want to make him proud, but what do you want Chris?”
Thanks to astute casting, the relationships between these three pivotal characters feel real, notably, the fractured father/son relationship once the truths are revealed in the final act.
True champions can fight through anything – or can they?
The musical score is a major factor in the alluring effect of this movie. It’s beautifully composed and enhances the intensity of the highly emotional scenes.
Heart Of The Man is a small low budget film that looks like a highly budgeted Hollywood production on the big screen. It quintessentially highlights that filmmakers don’t need to spend millions upon millions of dollars to make high quality feature films.
Last word: There will be tears. This is a movie that will linger on in the hearts of movie-goers forever.
★★★★
Screens Sunday April 21, Palace Norton St as part of the Inner West Film Festival (limited theatrical release to follow).
See also, our interview with director, David Cook
