Thursday, May 12, 2011

Movie Review - Mary Bryant

The Incredible Journey of Mary Bryant (2005)
aka Mary Bryant

This is an Austrailian / UK mini series about Mary Bryant.  It is about a young woman is transported to the New South Wales penal colony in 1788.  It stars Romola Garai as Mary Bryant.

This is based on true events in the life of Mary Bryant who was 17 when she was sent to the penal colony along with harden crimminals. She was a 'highwaywoman' or rather a 'footpad' as she did not ride on a horse to do her crimes.  She would have been sentenced to death if the King had not commuted her sentence. However, she was not happy at the colony so she and some other prisoners decided to make a run for it.

Mary is a strong woman character. A resourceful who did what she needed to do at all costs.  Thought it would be good for children to know such a strong character exists in history, this is not a movie for children to watch.  It has many violent moments along with a graphic group rape scene as well as other sexual content.

Most of this movie did not have lush surroundings or costumes like so many period pieces do, this one took place in a few limited locations, one being on a small row/sail boat.  Most of the time they were dirty and poorly dressed.  I was still captivated by this film. It is very well done.

Also starring in this film: Sam Neill, Alex O'Loughlin (Yum), and Jack Davenport.

4 out of 5 stars.

1 comment:

Wall-to-wall books said...

Wow, I have never heard of this or her before! Sounds very interesting, exactly like something I would read! Thanks I will add it to my list.

BTW - Love the new blog look! Very cool, mod!