A 'wogs'-eye view of white Australia
Review by Peter Johnston and Bill Posters
Looking for Alibrandi
Starring Pia Miranda, Greta Scacchi and Anthony LaPaglia
Directed by Kate Woods
This charming movie is a coming-of-age drama that leads us through a year in the life of Josie, an Italian-Australian in her final year at a prestigious Catholic girls' school. During the course of the year, through Josie's eyes, we confront some of the issues confronting youth today: youth suicide, sexuality, racism, identity and school and societal expectations.
Josie struggles with her Italian heritage and with her class — unlike most of her classmates she is not from a wealthy background and is at school on a scholarship. She dreams of "catching" John Barton, top scholar at St Anthony's, who exudes privilege, and of entering his rarified circles. But the life of privileged John turns out to be not all as it appears.
The movie gives a sensitive and accurate portrayal of the discrimination faced by many non-Anglo ethnic groups — even when third generation such as Josie — and does give you an appreciation for the richness of Australia's multicultural heritage.
A strength of the movie is the three excellently portrayed strong female leads: Josie (Pia Miranda), her mother Christina (Greta Scacci), and Josie's grandmother Nonna (Elena Cotta). Elena Cotta is particularly moving in her role as the embattled matriarch, and Pia Miranda gives a very engaging performance as the angst-ridden teenager who emerges at the end of the tempestuous year (and the movie) as a strong, determined and independent woman.
The three generations of women live under a "curse" brought about by Christina having Josie "illegitimately". When the father Josie never knew existed arrives, sparks fly and the film rushes towards an emotional climax.
To borrow from Bertold Brecht, this film may be more of a mirror held up to reality rather than a hammer with which to shape it. Nevertheless, it is typical of many Australian-located and directed movies of late: it is thoroughly enjoyable, has likable, readily identifiable characters (and locations) and has a novel and fresh feel to it.