High Ground

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1:47

High Ground

2021

1h 44m

Adventure

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

90%

Tomatometer

41 Reviews

77%

Popcornmeter

50+ Ratings

Travis never thought he would cross paths again with Australian indigenous Gutjuk, when he saved the life of this young child from the killings of the white men. Back from First World War, ex-sniper Travis recruits Gutjuk, now 19, to track down his uncle, the leader of the Aboriginal mob that terrifies the Territory. Travis has no choice but to trust the young Aboriginal and teach him to survive, while Gutjuk must take his life in his hands if he wants to find his place in between the white men and the Aborigines.

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Critics Consensus

A gripping action story as well as sobering commentary on colonialism, High Ground is a vividly engrossing attempt to grapple with Australian history.

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David Stratton

The Australian

The ravishing cinematography by Andrew Commis explores the wild and rugged landscapes of Kakadu and Arnhem Land against which a powerful story of white privilege and aboriginal dispossession unfolds.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 3, 2021

Full Review

Roxana Hadadi

RogerEbert.com

Between its evocative ensemble, fluid editing, and interest in Aboriginal culture, High Ground is worth a watch, even if it ultimately feels overshadowed by the message it's trying to send rather than being defined by the story it actually tells.

Rated: 2.5/4

May 14, 2021

Full Review

Glenn Kenny

New York Times

This movie makes a solid case as both a statement and an action picture.

May 13, 2021

Full Review

Robert W. Butler

Butler's Cinema Scene

We’re not sure who to root for; nor does there seem to be any easy answer to the long-simmering hatreds on display. But I found myself unexpectedly moved by the film’s brutal yet inescapable conclusion.

Rated: B

Sep 19, 2025

Full Review

Jane Freebury

The Canberra Times (Australia)

A superb Outback western.

Rated: 5/5

Aug 23, 2022

Full Review

John Serba

Decider

High Ground is far from perfect. But it also isn't content to adhere to genre trappings; its thematic ambition and visual dynamic makes it worth a watch.

Dec 3, 2021

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Dean C

Beautifully shot, immersive sound design and a gripping story. A brilliant Australian Western.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/24/24

Full Review

Ez J

The movie looks great but unfortunately lacks any real depth to either the storyline or the characters. A strong start is let down by a long lethargic second and third act.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

07/14/24

Full Review

Jacqui P

Stunning but not over the top cinematography, a pared back but absorbing plot, excellent acting, some historical context and cultural exploration, and a bit of a western shoot ‘em up vibe. I’d watch it again. Good stuff. Warning though, Scenes based on actual massacres of Aboriginal people.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/12/24

Full Review

Audience Member

Pretty good. Not your average movie.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/13/21

Full Review

Audience Member

A very eye opening movie that needs to be shown to all Australians

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/09/23

Full Review

Audience Member

As an Australian this was a story that we were not taught in school. I went to the theatre a second time the very next day as it was so compelling. As confronting as it is I feel the story is reflected in the history of a lot of countries that were colonised. A very beautiful movie that everyone should see.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/16/23

Full Review

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Stephen Johnson

Director

Jacob Junior Nayinggul

Gutjuk

Simon Baker

Travis

Callan Mulvey

Eddy

Aaron Pedersen

Walter

Ryan Corr

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High Ground: Trailer 1

1:47

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Synopsis

Travis never thought he would cross paths again with Australian indigenous Gutjuk, when he saved the life of this young child from the killings of the white men. Back from First World War, ex-sniper Travis recruits Gutjuk, now 19, to track down his uncle, the leader of the Aboriginal mob that terrifies the Territory. Travis has no choice but to trust the young Aboriginal and teach him to survive, while Gutjuk must take his life in his hands if he wants to find his place in between the white men and the Aborigines.

Director: Stephen Johnson
Producer: David Jowsey, Maggie Miles, Greer Simpkin, Witiyana Marika
Screenwriter: Chris Anastassiades
Distributor: Samuel Goldwyn Company
Production Co: Bunya Productions, Maxo, Savage Films
Genre: Adventure, Drama
Original Language: Australian English
Release Date (Theaters): May 14, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): May 14, 2021
Runtime: 1h 44m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital

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