Van Diemen's Land is a historical drama film that was released in 2009. It is directed by Jonathan auf der Heide and stars Oscar Redding, Arthur Angel and Paul Ashcroft. The movie is set in 1822 and tells the story of a group of convicts who escape from a prison in Tasmania and are forced to survive in the harsh Tasmanian wilderness.
The film opens with the group of convicts being transported across the Tasmanian wilderness to a prison in Hobart. Among the group is Alexander Pierce, played by Oscar Redding, who is known for his cannibalistic tendencies. When the group arrives in Hobart, they are separated and sent to different prisons. However, a group of eight men including Pierce, manage to escape and flee into the wilderness.
As they journey deeper into the wilderness, the men are faced with the harsh realities of survival. They are forced to scavenge for food and water, and contend with the rugged terrain and extreme weather conditions. The group is also plagued by infighting and mistrust, as they struggle to come to terms with their new reality.
The film is beautifully shot, with stunning landscapes and cinematography. The filmmakers expertly capture the rugged beauty of the Tasmanian wilderness, providing a stark contrast to the violence and brutality of the convicts' situation. The harsh environment is a central theme of the movie, and it is used to create a sense of tension and urgency throughout.
As the group journeys deeper into the wilderness, they begin to realize the gravity of their situation. With no food or water, and no way of finding their way back to civilization, the men are faced with a stark choice: they must either band together to survive or succumb to the harsh realities of the wilderness.
Van Diemen's Land is a harrowing and thought-provoking film that explores the darker side of human nature. It is an unflinching look at the violence and brutality of the convict era in Australia, and the lengths that people will go to in order to survive. The film's themes are bleak and uncompromising, but they are expertly handled by the filmmakers, who manage to create a sense of hope in the face of overwhelming adversity.
The performances in the film are uniformly excellent, but it is Oscar Redding's portrayal of Alexander Pierce that stands out. Redding manages to capture the complex and contradictory nature of Pierce's character, portraying him as both savage and vulnerable. It is a compelling and nuanced performance that elevates the film beyond a simple survival story.
Overall, Van Diemen's Land is a must-see film for fans of historical drama and survival stories. It is a stark reminder of the brutality of the past, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. With stunning cinematography, outstanding performances, and a compelling story, it is a film that will stick with you long after the credits roll.
