Displaying items by tag: Paper Champions movie

PAPER CHAMPIONS

Australia, 2020, 85 minutes, Colour.

Luke Saliba, John Tui, Gary Sweet, Tessa de Josselin, Kaarin Fairfax, Genevieve Morris.

Directed by Jo-Anne Brechin.

Divided opinions on this small Australian film. Many finding it slight, silly, boring. However, the majority of bloggers seem to enjoy it, the lightheartedness, a sense of humanity and humour.

The central character Rey (Luke Saliba who co-wrote the screenplay) ponders greatness, his father’s hope for him as a wrestler, the influence of his mother (Kaarin Fairfax) and her attachment to the next door neighbour, Gary Sweet, toughness, posing for the mother’s painting, challenging and encouraging Rey.

However, Rey works in a photocopier shop, mid-20s, timid, awkward, wanting to please, influenced by his boisterous co-worker, Wade, (New Zealander John Tui, featured in many New Zealand and American films and series, Star Wars, Fast and Furious, Shortland Street). Wade is forever quoting Mana, for spirit of masculinity, taking Rey to the company dance, both with pink suits, trying to train him to dance, eventually Rey’s bursting out in quite a routine.

Then there is a nice assistant at the medical centre, Rey trying to please her.

Eventually, after some misadventures and light comedy, Rey moves more out of himself, some training with wrestling, his mother and her relationship, Wade and his support, going to the wrestling bout – and being instantly knocked out.

Filmed in Geelong, a small piece of Australiana.