This is the sequel to John Duigans critically acclaimed film " The Year my voice broke " and whilst the central character is the same, Danny Embling ( Noah Taylor ) this film can be watched without knowing previous knowledge of its predecessor.
Set in 1965 in rural Australia it follows the trials and tribulations of boarding school life for Danny as he finds relief from peer pressure in the charms and grace of Ugandan student, Thandiwe Adjewa ( Thandie Newton ), the daughter of an African nationlist lecturer, a student who is herself attending the neighbouring all girls boarding school. Snatching moments together when they can, they become kindred spirits, lovers and try to be elusive to the ever increasing menace of teachers, whose methods of discipline include " caning " and long, drawn-out detentions.
The film perfectly captures the first florish of love in adolescence, here presented without the recent smut and focus on " bodily functions " that seem to populate the endless array of " coming of age " films that have plagued cinemas the last 10 or so years.
Here, the love is very much real, heartbreaking and above all treated with the innocence that it deserves. Danny is not particularly handsome, but it is his spirit and sincerity that captures Thandiwe's heart and mind.
Both Noah Taylor and Thandie Newton are superb in there roles, and are joined by a young Naomi Watts as Thandiwe's friend and Nicole Kidman in a small yet memorable part as head-girl Nicola Ratcliffe.
The film was lavished with accolades in Australia, and deservedly so, those wishing to watch a wonderfully acted little film about the stress and awkwardness one may feel about starting out as a young adult should savour it.