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      Force Of Destiny

      2015 List
      Reviews 71% Fewer than 50 Ratings Audience Score Read More Read Less

      Audience Reviews

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      Audience Member Paul Cox's latest film Force of Destiny is a cracker, and a joy, the old master of Australian art movies returns to his very best. Out in cinemas at some time in the future with Paul Grabowsky score and David Wenham and Shahana Goswami playing warm and prefect lead roles. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/08/23 Full Review Audience Member A deeply felt personal film by Paul Cox, this is about a liver transplant, and the pain is real enough. Yet the film is a visual and emotional spectacle, kaleidoscopic and often surrealistic, ranging through a panoply of interiors, landscapes, hallucinations, nightmares, the natural world, up to space and a universe full of stars. Cox is an artist inspired by Vincent Van Gogh and this film is a work of fast, painterly assurance. Scenes take place in sumptuous Australian and Indian settings. The Indian characters are Maya, played by Shahana Goswami who should be listed here on RT as the female lead next to David Wenham, as she rightly is in the film credits; her spirit guide uncle, who is dying, and her caring aunt; the Australians are Robert, the liver recipient who is taking this extraordinary journey, played by Wenham, his edgy ex-wife, played by McKenzie in an important supporting role, and his lively, attentive daughter. Fate decrees that Maya and Robert meet when he is diagnosed; she brings to him an Indian way of seeing, infusing the story with exquisite warmth and hope, its key message. Cox anchors the screenplay in the hospital where he himself was treated, the staff playing as extras. Robert is a sculptor, the film also shooting in the densely equipped, bush studio of the actual maker. His complex pieces look anatomical and even macabre, reflecting the struggle. Cox is deeply concerned about the present and future state of humanity, and the need for people to love one another and to give. His screenplay is rich with poetic and musical progressions about love. His characters are played naturalistically by a fine ensemble, and you will feel powerfully affected. The last frame is a perfect, suspended chord. Cox has long been a iconic master filmmaker and a profound humanist; this film is a superb example of his work. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/15/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

      Cast & Crew

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      Critics Reviews

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      Jake Wilson Sydney Morning Herald Wenham's wry, understated delivery is hard to resist and he's quite believable as a certain type of Australian male artist, all sheepish good looks, amiable stubbornness and unrepentant self-absorption. Rated: 3/5 Sep 3, 2015 Full Review Jacob Oller Vague Visages There's power in Force of Destiny but not in the sloppy, slogging, tepid narrative. Aug 27, 2018 Full Review Jim Schembri 3AW There's no doubting Cox's dedication to his signature style. As with Ken Loach, it's so recognisable he barely needs a credit. Rated: 2.5/5 Oct 2, 2015 Full Review Rochelle Siemienowicz sbs.com.au There's no denying, though, the conviction that Cox brings to his work; his insistence that he's an artist and his own life is worth mining for inspiration. And that has a force of destiny of its own. Rated: 3/5 Aug 11, 2015 Full Review Read all reviews

      Movie Info

      Director
      Paul Cox