The documentary is partly a bio of Aboriginal AFL player Adam Goodes and party a look at racism in Australia. It’s beautifully made, reflective and poignant. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
I will say that I haven’t seen the doco on the same topic that was recently on TV. A friend who I saw The Australian Dream with had seen it and felt this one didn’t offer any significant insights that the one on TV already had however in sharing that observation with others who’ve seen both, they disagreed. In fact one described this film as significantly better, not just a little better.
It’s not easy to watch. I cried. And if you’d told me AFL great Nathan Buckley would offer one of the most searingly painful observation of the film I wouldn’t have believed you but here we are. It took my breath away.
If you’re interested in sport, Australian culture, Indigenous history, AFL or media I think you will find this film fascinating and well worth your time and hard-earned. Here’s a 3.5 star review in the Fairfax press if you want more details.
The Australian Dream is in cinemas now. Take a friend who you think could do with seeing it. Don’t pretend you don’t know what I mean.
(As a bit of an aside, it reminded me that Aboriginal former AFL player Gilbert McAdam is bloody good media talent and should be in mainstream media coverage of the game way more often.)