Movies.ie

• Critic rating
• Currently 4/5 Stars.

Movies.ie Critic Review

Melbourne, the 1980s, and after the death of his mother, 17-year old Joshua (Frecheville) goes to live with his grandmother, Janine ‘Smurf’ Cody (the Oscar-nominated Weaver). And that’s when he gets to meet his hardened criminal relatives, just as a revenge killing (of two policemen) gets under way. It’s right about then that Josh’s world goes a little bonkers…

THE VERDICT: Inspired by real-life criminals who made Melbourne’s crime history that little bit more colourful back in the 1980s (led by the likes of the Moran brothers and ‘Granny Evil’ Pettingill), David Michod’s fictional tale isn’t entirely successful in its ambitious aims. But it is a thoroughly entertaining film nonetheless, and one that offers up yet another reason to get out of this country and mix with an entirely superior class of criminal down under.

Review by Paul Byrne

• Avg User rating
• Currently 4/5 Stars.

User Reviews

• • Currently 5/5 Stars.

  mart

  

  Animal Kingdom has been dubbed an 'Australian GoodFellas'. Director David Michôd isn't as flashy as Scorsese, but his portrayal of the violent downfall of a dysfunctional family of criminals shows that he's a master at building slow-burning tension

• • Currently 5/5 Stars.

  misscain

  

• • Currently 5/5 Stars.

  laume

  

  Animal Kingdom shocks, surprises and amazes but never seems false or unreal. A great film.

• • Currently 4/5 Stars.

  aoibheana

  

• • Currently 4/5 Stars.

  peter1892

  

  Disturbing, dark and moody. It's a powerful story of an Australian criminal family, with excllent performances particularly Jackie Weaver (who was nominated for an oscar for her part as Smurf) but even more so Ben Mendlesohn as 'Pope' who is a fascinating character. The bleak atmosphere is enhanced by some very interesting use of sound throughout the film, with a couple of seemingly quiet moments providing tension. Great film, well worth seeing.

• • Currently 5/5 Stars.

  dainiux

  

  This is what the new wave of crime films should look like.

• • Currently 4/5 Stars.

  phoebe

  

  Intense, dark and violent! Definitely one to see.

• • Currently 4/5 Stars.

  lionqueen

  

  The tense mood and atmosphere keep you engaged and on edge for the whole movie. And Jackie Weaver is excellent as the ruthless grandmother. Great story.

• • Currently 2/5 Stars.

  SEEYA

  

  The script is poor, they should have shown them robbing something in the beginning rather than alluding to them being big scary gangsters come undone because you just cannot believe this benny hill motley crew of morons could organise a piss up in a brewerey let alone are masterminds of crime that have plagued the police. The mother is an appauling actress who looks a bit lost for the first half of the movie and a brown suit and a tash on guy pearce does not a joe bloggs make we know he's gorgeous, he should have been one of the criminals, wife beater vest coupla tatoos, something to look at to drag it along. Don't think they filmed enough as too many scenes with loud music and lots long scenes of nothing trying to create an intense ambience, doesn't work, they just didn't have enough footage cos there was very little storyline. I'd wait for dvd or not bother at all.

• • Currently 4/5 Stars.

  pkinsella

  

  Really good film it's easy to see why it has gotten the positive reviews it has. Great performances all round and and interest is kept throughout. Definitely recommend this one for a cinema trip.

• • Currently 5/5 Stars.

  ging-grr

  

  Dark, atmospheric and gripping with powerhouse performances from the entire cast. Highly recommended, would say a must see actually :)

• • Currently 5/5 Stars.

  masonica

  

  Not without some pacing issues and overwrought score. Animal Kingdom gets my full rating as the film is one that will stay with you as it shows a very real Oz and not the sunny G'day type that is more often than not promoted. Very impressive performances by all and very impressive in just how real the movie feels. Guy Pearce really should be in more films as his brief turn here is superbly understated yet well defined. The writer/director David Michôd is definitely one to watch.

• • Currently 4/5 Stars.

  vu1999uk

  

  Really good thriller, that builds tension very well. A film that literally keeps you guessing throughout where it is going and what is goning to happen next. Ben Mendelsohn in particular is brilliant, and the rest of the cast hold up their end well. One small complaint is that some characters are short changed with regards screen time, but it is a small complaint.

• • Currently 5/5 Stars.

  mell61

  

  Excellent movie. Its about the banality and mediocrity of small time crimes in suburbia, and the knock on effects. Jackie Weaver is amazing as the mama to this crime family, and its one of the strongest and deadliest female character i've seen recently. I left the cinema with a question 'what happened next' after the titles rolled!

• • Currently 4/5 Stars.

  clivebb

  

  This really was a great film. I was not let down. Sometimes the trailers take the best bits while the film can be disappointing. Not with this film. It had me guessing from start to finish, great cast. I am not going to give the story away you can read the attachments for that. Go out for the night and sit back and enjoy.

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