Broke is an Australian drama film that tells the story of a former rugby league player named Ben Kelly, who is struggling to rebuild his life after making several poor decisions. The movie explores themes of family, addiction, loyalty, and redemption and is set against the backdrop of the working-class suburbs of Western Sydney. The film begins with Ben being released from prison after serving time for a drunken assault. He returns home to find that his ex-wife, Hope, has moved on and is now living with their teenage son, Scott. Ben's attempts to reconnect with his son are met with resistance, as Scott is angry at his father for abandoning their family and breaking his promises.
As Ben tries to adjust to life outside of prison, he finds himself drawn back into the world of rugby league, despite his tarnished reputation in the sport. He joins a local team coached by the charismatic Frank, who sees potential in Ben and takes him under his wing.
Ben's attempts to make a fresh start are hindered by his addiction to gambling, which he uses as a way to escape his problems. He starts betting on rugby league games, becoming increasingly reckless in his pursuit of a big win. He also begins to reconnect with his old teammates and friends, who are still involved in the sport and have their own struggles with addiction.
Throughout the movie, Ben's relationship with Scott is tested as he tries to make amends for his past mistakes. He struggles to balance his desire to be a good father with his own personal demons, and often finds himself making choices that put his own interests ahead of his son's.
The film also explores the lives of other characters in the community, including Frank, who is dealing with his own family problems, and Scott, who is navigating the challenges of adolescence and his own dreams of becoming a rugby league player. The movie shows the interconnectedness of their lives and how their choices and actions impact each other.
The performances in Broke are strong, with Steve Bastoni delivering a powerful and nuanced portrayal of a man trying to redeem himself. Brendan Cowell is also excellent as Frank, bringing both charm and vulnerability to his character. Max Cullen and Claire van der Boom also shine in their supporting roles as a retired rugby league player and Frank's estranged wife, respectively.
The cinematography by Hugh Miller captures the gritty and often bleak landscape of Western Sydney, emphasizing the struggles that the characters face in their daily lives. The film's soundtrack, featuring Australian indie artists such as The Rubens and Gang of Youths, also adds to the atmosphere and mood of the movie.
Overall, Broke is a moving and thought-provoking drama that explores the challenges of addiction and redemption in a gritty and realistic way. Its themes of family, loyalty, and personal responsibility resonate long after the credits roll, making it a memorable and impactful film.
Broke is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes.
