Drama,Adventure,Comedy
Australia
Ten Canoes is an Australian film directed by Rolf de Heer and Peter Djigirr. The film follows a story within a story within a story structure and takes place in the Northern Territory of Australia. The narrator, David Gulpilil, tells a story about his ancestors on a goose hunt. The story takes place before colonization and follows a group of Indigenous men on a journey to hunt geese in the wilderness.
As the group sets out, the narrator introduces us to the various characters on the hunt, including one young man named Minygululu (played by Jamie Gulpilil) who is being tempted to adultery with his elder brother's wife. The elders on the hunt notice Minygululu's attraction to his sister-in-law and begin to teach him about the importance of following the customary tribal law, which emphasizes virtue.
Minygululu's uncle tells him a story from the mythical past about a young woman who is abducted by a spirit and taken into the wilderness. Her husband, in hot pursuit, must navigate a series of challenges before he can rescue her. The story stresses the importance of virtue and how evil can slip in and cause havoc if not prevented.
Throughout the film, the narrator provides commentary on Indigenous culture, including the importance of storytelling, tribe law, and the traditional way of life. The film features a mix of Indigenous and non-Indigenous actors, including a cast of people from the local community, and was shot in the Yolngu language, an Indigenous language of the Northern Territory.
Overall, Ten Canoes is a fascinating and unique film that offers viewers a glimpse into Indigenous culture and storytelling traditions. It combines humor, drama, and adventure to deliver a powerful message about the importance of virtue and following tribal law.
