Rise

Not bad for a film certainly could use more drama and characters for a better script

I went into this movie pretty much as I do with all the movies I view, and that is knowing nothing about them, I do this so as not to have any preconceived ideas of what to expect, I find this the best method for viewing as I am not at all influenced by other peoples opinions.

Initially I didn't think I would last the entire movie, the actors were not of a high caliber, with the exception of Martin Sacks, and to be honest I didn't recognize him at first, but I immediately wanted to watch the entire movie once his presence was made, it took me a little while before I realized who he was, it was he, or rather his character that I was interested in and not that of the movies focus, he truly is a great actor that has somehow managed to go unnoticed by the big wigs.

Anyway on with the movie, as mentioned, all the actors with the exception of Sacks are well and truly out of their league in a feature film and in my opinion would be more suited to soaps.

The direction seems hurried and definitely does not make a convincing case when it come to character building, there are affinities built on seemingly very little to nothing, rushing this vital part of any movie is wrong, but even this cannot detract you from the character Jimmy Cove (Sacks).

The poor acting is not restricted to the main character (Nathan Wilson) but pretty much every single actor in this movie. To make matters worse the court scenes are just dreadful, not a lick like real life, very hashed and uninvolved, and that pretty much sums it up for this movie, hashed and uninvolved, but I must mention that I did watch the movie until the end credits, I wanted to see if Jimmy and Will got to meet up outside of the prison walls...I wont mention if they did or not, but regardless of how the movie was put together, there is a feeling of friendship and sincerity between these two characters.

In summary, I felt this could have been a great movie, had it had a decent director and decent actors I feel it could have made a far more compelling movie.

Martin Sacks carried this movie and if not for him, it would in no way be worth viewing.

Great work Martin.

5/10 and four of those stars go to Martin.

I took my wife to see this movie and we were both moved by it. The possibility of humans to redeem themselves is really what the movie is about and it does this admirably well. Other comments have mentioned it has a religious aspect but I hardly noticed because it doesn't push it. It is a heartwarming piece of good Australian film making and worth a look.

Martin Sacks was excellent and he did carry the film but it was a great effort by many unknown Australian actors including the lead, Nathan Wilson. I believe it was Mack Lindon's first directorial role and he did a great job. I look forward to seeing future films from him.

The best Aussie film I have seen in a long time and one of my favorite movies.its been a long time since I have seen an Australian movie this good.I have seen it countless times.A super talented Aussie cast who portrayed their characters perfectly,a brilliant crew behind the scenes and a soundtrack that showcased some terrific Australian musical talent.I laughed,I cried,I absolutely love this movie.It's a definite must see movie.It definitely pulls at the heartstrings.A very moving true story.Fantastic work Mack and everyone else involved.To those who haven't seen it yet,do yourself a favor and watch it,you won't be sorry.

If you're in the mood for a sentimental, feel-good prison movie, then this fits the bill. Engaging acting and professional production make this a watchable movie.