Chopper (2000) Saturday December 7, 9:30pm (SBS ONE)
SBS On Demand: from Sunday 8 December
Director: Andrew Dominik
Cast: Eric Bana, Simon Lyndon, Vince Colosimo
What's it about? In Chopper, Eric Bana gives an unforgettable performance as Australia's most notorious–and quotable–criminal, Mark 'Chopper' Read. The instant classic kicked off the international careers of both Bana and director Andrew Dominik (Killing Them Softly) and even received high praise from the late king of crime fiction, Elmore Leonard, who wrote a piece about it for the New York Times.
Watch review Watch interview with director Andrew Dominik and actor Eric Bana
Lantana (2001) Saturday December 14, 9:30pm (SBS ONE)
SBS On Demand: from Sunday 15 December
Director: Ray Lawrence
Cast: Anthony LaPaglia, Geoffrey Rush, Barbara Hershey
What's it about? Since its release in 2001, Lantana has been the benchmark for superior adult-themed drama. The haunting, Sydney-set film from director Ray Lawrence (Jindabyne) and writer Andrew Bovell follows five married couples and how they connect to a woman's mysterious death. The stellar ensemble cast includes Anthony LaPaglia, Geoffrey Rush, Barbara Hershey and many more, four of which received AFI Awards.
Read review Watch interview with director Ray Lawrence Watch interview director Ray Lawrence and producer Jan Chapman Watch interview with actor Anthony LaPaglia
Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002) Saturday December 21, 9:30pm (SBS ONE)
SBS On Demand: from Sunday 22 December
Director: Phillip Noyce
Cast: Everlyn Sampi, Tianna Sansbury, Kenneth Branagh
What's it about? Veteran director Phillip Noyce (Dead Calm) adapts Doris Pilkington's book about the chilling period in Australian history when half-caste Aboriginal children were forcibly removed from their families to live in faraway re-education camps. In the story, three such victims manage to escape after being captured, using the titular thousand-kilometre long fence to guide them back home.
Read review
Watch review
Watch interview with director Phillip Noyce
Watch interview with cinematographer Christoper Doyle
Shine (1996) Saturday December 28, 9:30pm (SBS ONE)
SBS On Demand: from Sunday 29 December
Director: Scott Hicks
Cast: Geoffrey Rush, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Noah Taylor
What's it about?
Geoffrey Rush takes centre stage in the biopic on the tumultuous life of talented Australian pianist, David Helfgott. A prodigy from a young age, Helfgott battled a domineering father and mental health issues for most of his career. Shine was a huge hit on the awards circuit, winning nine AFIs and earning seven Academy Award nominations (including one for Best Film), with Rush famously picking up the Oscar for Best Actor.
Watch interview with director Scott Hicks Watch interview with cast and crew
