YOLNGU BOY

"Australian cinema steeped in cultural context, Yolngu Boy boasts a full Aboriginal cast and stands with a precious few as it takes a rare, honest, unflinching look at traditional Aboriginal culture and its present dilemmas. Throughout the film we predominantly feel Botj calling for help. The film cleverly crafts its central character to place the viewer in a unique position. We deplore his weakness and self-destructive misdemeanours but understand his motivations; we identify and empathise with his "lost soul" tortured as it is by a cruel fate. Essentially a tragic coming of age story that pulls the heartstrings, Yolngu Boy is an inspiring work yet undeniably patchy. From a casting perspective, director Stephen Johnson placed himself in a difficult position. Being concerned with authenticity Johnson selected a cast of (predominantly) first-time actors and consequently produced a film replete with unprofessional performances. Neither is the script properly refined. While strong on themes and character development and boasting a generally compelling story, it is nonetheless lacking that elusive magic "something," (perhaps owing in part to the amateur performances). Back on the high side, the cinematography is excellent. Together Johnson and DOP Brad Shield (Thin Red Line, Mission Impossible 2) present a beautifully spiritual, mystical Australian landscape as commanded by the story. Ultimately, Yolngu Boy is an enjoyable film and easily one of the most significant engagements with Aboriginal cinema since Nicolas Roeg's renowned Walkabout (1971)."
Michael Shane

"Yolngu Boy is essentially a rite de passage movie with a touch of the road movie (sans road) thrown in. But it is unique in that it profiles the passage to adulthood of three teenage indigenous boys living in a remote Arnhem Land community, where they are torn between their ancient culture - which they cannot practise properly since being forced to give up their nomadic existence - and European culture which beckons enticingly, but more often than not has nothing to offer these young people in way of jobs and education.Directed and produced in the Northern Territory by filmmaker Stephen Johnson, you can see that budget constraints have somewhat held back the visual splendour as the boys trek through Arnhem Land to Kakadu Park, and although the three young actors John Sebastian Pilakui (Lorrpu), Sean Mununggurr (Botj) and real-life footy player Nathan Daniels (Milika) put in astounding performances for untrained actors, they are likewise constrained by lack of experience and occasionally unimaginiative dialogue. As a person living in the Territory, you often see these beautiful, sparkling children, brimming with life, and then you see some of the young adults with their dead eyes devoid of hope, and you ask yourself, What happened? This is the central, and touching, message that makes Yolngu Boy, despite its flaws, well worth watching."
Sally Bothroyd