Damage – REVIEW
Image: Ali Al Jenabi in DAMAGE. Image: film still
Cultures clash in this low budget yet powerful and thought-provoking Australian movie, when two people from totally different backgrounds spend several hours together driving around in a taxi.
Ali is not an Australian citizen but he’s been living in this country for 5 years and driving a taxi for only one week using another man’s license. He’s fighting his own demons, suffering lingering memories of an unforgettable war-torn life back in Iraq. Along comes his passenger Esther, an 88 year old Australian woman who is seemingly suffering from dementia. She can’t remember the address of where she wants to go.
The world is upside down for them both. Esther is quietly angry as all her memories of a wonderful life are quickly fading and Ali is angry for what has happened to his beloved country – she can’t remember and he can’t forget.
And so this road trip of sorts commences and as Ali attempts to drive Esther to some unknown destination, they learn about each other’s lives through awkward conversations and slowly bond, a short but therapeutic relationship developing.
Will Ali ultimately drive Esther to her vague destination? More importantly why are law enforcement agents trying to track him down?
Only two performers front the cameras in this very unique piece of filmmaking. Ali is portrayed by Ali Al Jenabi, an Iraqi asylum seeker living in Sydney and Esther is played by Adelaide jazz-singer Imelda Bourke, both of whom are non-actors. It was a strange decision to cast two people who had no previous acting experience but the result was positive, both contributing elements from their real lives to the roles.
Damage is a dramatic movie with a touch of humour. It’s difficult not to quietly laugh whilst arguments develop between both characters, especially Esther who isn’t afraid to deliver the occasional racial slur, “Who are you? Why did you come to my country?”
Long lasting and recurring images of war ravaged Iraq are effectively incorporated as Ali constantly reminisces of his old life back home, telling Esther, “What you don’t want to remember will stay with you for life – they took my country, they killed, divided, and created hell! We just had to run!”
Sensitivity should build for both characters who are so different and yet suffering similar torment. Many who watch this movie may think that it lacks substance. It’s seemingly a simplistic synopsis but there are many underlying themes and messages cleverly delivered through meaningful dialogue and cleverly placed imagery.
★★★1/2
In Cinemas November 9
