Bran Nue Dae (photo courtesy of Roadshow Films)

The Australian Film Industry has never been known for producing tent pole blockbusters, which dazzle the eyes and minds of the American audience.

Yet in the tradition of fantastic filmmaking such as “Strictly Ballroom,” director Rachel Perkins’ on-screen adaptation of the award-winning musical Bran Nue Dae, (and first Aboriginal musical), originally written by Jimmi Chi, is a charming and whimsical experience for the very brief 86-minute runtime.

Set in Western Australia, the film chronicles the main character, Willie, played by Rocky McKenzie, in a brief moment of his life where he meets a girl, Rosie, gets whisked away to boarding school, only to escape and return to his hometown of Broome to find Rosie again.

The film includes many famous Australian performers in lead roles and small parts. Australian R&B singer (and Australian Idol runner-up) Jessica Mauboy plays “Rosie;” Aboriginal actor and television host Ernie Dingo portrays the charming and resourceful “Uncle Tadpole;” seven-time ARIA Music Award winning singer/songwriter Missy Higgins plays the hippie, free spirited “Annie;” and British-born, Aussie comedian and actress Magda Szubanski steals a scene as “Roadhouse Betty.”

Sealing the deal with this eclectic group of talented performers is the comedic and strong performance by Australian born and Tony, Grammy and Oscar-winning actor Geoffrey Rush, portraying “Father Benedictus,” who chases after Willie when he runs away from boarding school.

The film weaves a subplot of Aboriginal rights and freedoms, which American audiences may not get, nor understand. Yet, despite this disconnect, the plight of the Aborigines adds to the charm and quality of the film and helps flesh out Ernie Dingo’s character.

The film breaks into song at periodic points – it is, after all, a musical. The numbers do come off as campy, with less polish and precision as what is often portrayed in American cinema. Yet, the campiness is part of the film’s charm. You do get a sense of “going along on this crazy ride”, following Willie along as he tries to find his direction, while picking up seemingly random people along the way.

Definitely stay all the way through, as the end is quite the payoff for all of the travels and travails of the main character, tying up every plot and subplot in a sweet little bow. If foreign films are your bag, do not miss the enthralling and lighthearted experience, which Bran Nue Dae offers. It will put a little sunlight in your day.

To reach reporter Aaron Settipane, click here.