West of Sunshine (2017) User Reviews

aussie breaking point

[ferguson-6 · 6/10 · 23 January 2019]

Greetings again from the darkness. Life's eternal mysteries include the question, how can one be a father when not yet a man? The feature film debut of writer-director Jason Raftopoulos focuses on fatherhood and the price of self-destructive behavior, while finally gathering the strength to right one's self.

Damien Hill stars as Jim, a blue collar courier with a gambling habit that likely cost him his marriage, his previous job, and a solid relationship with his son. Jim is basically a decent guy who can't seem to overcome his weaknesses, which leaves us judging him as a hapless dude who can't buy a clue. The story unfolds over a single day as Jim faces a deadline from the loan shark he owes thousands. Banos (Tony Nikolakopoulos) is a scary looking guy who, in loan shark circles, would be considered relatively patient ... although he has reached the breaking point with Jim.

Of course, Jim has a stellar plan to pay back the money - a "sure thing" on a horse in today's race #2. However, there's a blip (at least one) in his plan. His estranged wife reminds him that today is his day to look after their son Alex (Ty Perham, real life stepson to Mr. Hill). So father and son, rocky relationship and all, take off on a road trip around Melbourne as Jim proves to be one of the city's worst couriers, and a borderline incompetent father. When Jim's horse does in fact pay off, he makes the all-too-familiar mistake of a gambling addict ... rather than pay off the debt, he tries to win more. You can surely guess how that goes.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, and the father-son team go about tracking down Jim's old contacts in hopes one might help him through this dilemma. It should be noted that Jim and Alex are traveling in style - Jim's classic Ford Fairlane, with quite an impactful story of its own. Support work is provided by Arthur Angel (as Jim's friend and co-worker), Kat Stewart (a former girlfriend who runs an illicit business out of her bakery), Fay Smythe (Jim's wife), and Eliza D'Souza (a would-be girlfriend and yet another Jim lets down).

Being a role model for a kid is not easy for someone as self-destructive as Jim. The steady stream of "I promise" and "I'm sorry" make it clear where Jim's priorities rest. Alex wants to look up to Jim, but spends more time looking down on him. It takes a near catastrophe for Jim to wake up ... a wake up that only occurs when one grows weary of always racing against the clock. Leaving the past behind - both emotionally and with a symbolic sacrifice - is Jim's only path to redemption. Fine, naturalistic performances make these characters relatable to us, and filmmaker Raftopoulos does a nice job with keeping the pace moving along, while never losing that sense of reality.

A film that "Rises and Shines"

[WalkdenEntertainment · 6/10 · 24 March 2019]

West of Sunshine's focus is on a father, Jim (played Damian Hill), who is in debt to a powerful man. This powerful man is threatening Damian with consequences if payment is not made by the end of the day. On the same day, it's also Jim's turn to look after his young son and he must work on the road as a local courier driver.

From the start of the film, we learn that Jim can't seem to catch a break. To make matters worse, he makes a very poor decision and turns to gambling to get him out of debt. Sadly the gambling only digs Jim further in debt and adds more problems to his life. The pressure is now on for Jim and while this film focuses on one day of Jim's life, the question is can Jim get out of the problems he has fallen into...

While the film's setting is based all in one day, the film tells its story at a quick and speedy pace. It gets straight to the point and doesn't get bothered with other plot points or give the audience lots of side characters. The key focus here is clearly on Jim as he deals with his struggles and the pressure which have come from making poor life choices. I also personally enjoyed the added concept of fatherhood that was explored here.

While the story of a man owing money to a powerful personage isn't anything new, the film does get a little creative with its overall tone and filming style, especially visually. It's also quite clear that this film has been completely filmed within the city and streets of Australia.

When it comes to performances, I will give praise to Damian Hall, who brings a great performance and energy to the screen. As the viewer, it's simply impossible not to feel for the character. Let's face it- the film reminds the world that no one is perfect, that we've all made mistakes in life and that we all seek second chances wherever possible. By the end of the film, I felt grateful and honoured for having witnessed one of Damian's Hall final performances as an actor. For me personally, I also took a positive meaning from this film which I didn't expect.

Overall, there are many elements to enjoy about this Australian film. It's a short, quick film that keeps on point without any major problems. Sure, the plot isn't anything new or different, but with a pleasing performances in particular from Damian Hill, thankfully there is a freshness in both style and the way the story is told.

6.4/10 Walkden Entertainment

Aussie father drama

[BandSAboutMovies · 6/10 · 10 January 2019]

This social-realist movie from debut feature filmmaker Jason Raftopoulos is all about Jim, a father in the midst of a struggle: he has less than a day to pay back a massive gambling debt, all while trying to look after his young son. His relationship with his son will be tested as his plans to pay back the loan fail and one final chance to repay the violent loan shark puts his son's life at risk.

Interesting enough, Ty Perham who plays the young Alex in this movie is really the stepson of star Damian Hill. It's his first acting experience and he really does well, appearing totally natural and seasoned.

Sadly, Hill died shortly after this film was released in Australia. He was only 42 and after seeing his performance here, it felt like there was plenty left for him to achieve.

Over the last year, I've had the opportunity to watch a lot more Australian cinema and have been pleasantly surprised at the efforts. West of Sunshine is another film that continues that trend.

Enjoyable but not remarkable

[CabbageCustard · 6/10 · 10 December 2019]

I've never been a huge fan of Australian cinema, with one or two exceptions. I didn't find this movie too bad though. It's an interesting enough story, even if it's one we've seen before - 'deadbeat' dad has his son for the day and makes it really obvious why his ex-wife told him to pack his bags. He also has some nasty types after him for an unpaid debt. I suspect that some of the scenarios played out here may, sadly, be real life situations for some kids, which is tragic.

Fortunately, this movie is just short of 80 minutes long - any longer and it probably would have overstayed its welcome. As it is, it's an interesting enough diversion for an hour or so.

Nonsense

[mppervan · 4/10 · 30 August 2018]

It just didn't add up. Why not sell the car ? How many chances does he need? Why did the son have such a great day?

Average story.

[deloudelouvain · 5/10 · 12 February 2019]

I can't say that West Of Sunshine will be a movie that I will remember in the future. It's just an average movie, much too slow, lacking of interesting action. The acting isn't bad but with just good acting you're not guaranteed to have a good movie. For that the story is just not captivating enough. It's just about a gambler with a debt trying to earn the money he owes, whilst driving his kid around for one day. Not much thrilling going on, just bad decisions throughout the whole movie. Maybe with a bit more action the movie could have been something but here it's just a movie out of a dozen, a movie I will not remember anything of tomorrow.

mediocre

[ops-52535 · 4/10 · 27 January 2019]

Well it has it all,shooting killing and action from beginning till end.....jaaast kiddin' though you could wish for it in this gloomy australian production, with camera angles so close up to a face as you can get, ,sound and music are not moodlifting at all. i guess its played out in melbourne or maybe adelaide. its a man hi on dept and the way he struggles and looses and boozes around til he's beaten to glorynights,and like a twist of destiny makes his dept disappear, and all this in one day in his car with his child which he has custody for once in a while,because he is divorced and his ex is a muggle whitch that can kill with her eyes.

alternative title could have been, ''one day daddy day care'' or ''a day at work with my daddy'' or '' doing a line with my daddy'' or '' the day daddy almost died'' or ''my daddy doing drugs driving dining on a dime'' or '' how we made the deal with them dudes''.

must have been my worst comment on a movie, its passable,but boring nitwit that anybody with a car+cam could have done. its not a review for me unless somebody could give me a better reason to.

A great and enjoyable Australian indie film

[shaun-wilson374-95572 · 8/10 · 12 April 2020]

I really enjoyed this movie. Apart from the fact it was a low budget debut film from an unknown Australian director - these factors alone already have my attention - I thought it was a tremendous effort to produce what they did on the limitations of budget and resources. It's a great story and the performances held together nicely. Would love to see more films from the director. Australia is producing a wealth of emerging indie directors lately and I'm very proud to be a part of this new wave of creatives. Congratulations to all on the production.

We're not delivering vitamins, are we?

[nogodnomasters · 3/10 · 5 February 2019]

Jimmy (Damian Hill) has a gambling problem and owes money. He works for Golden Messenger as a courier. He also has his son, Alex (Ty Perham) with him as he attempts to raise money by more gambling and drug dealing. Alex tries to connect to with his father who is too busy.

The film moves too slow for my taste and doesn't go anywhere. Mostly father and son driving around in a vintage car arguing over the cell phone.

Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity

A TOTALY UNLIKEABLE CHARACTER

[dive9976 · 4/10 · 10 September 2021]

If there was meant to be a redeeming quality in our "protagonist" it was lost on me. So you cut your sons hair. The man has the opportunity at all times through the film to set things right. Is this a movie about child abuse? Imagine going through everything they went through that day then coming home with a smile on your face for mummy. I am missing something. It doesn't have to be a happy ending but surely you want this to end better off than how it started.

Liked The Castle? Laugh and wince at West of Sunshine

[filmart-2 · 9/10 · 11 September 2018]

In the tradition of Aussie larrikin yarns, with a soft touch for a bit of a loser in this life. Boisterously active yet on-the-button for locales and character. Often it is a mistake for a new director to use 2.35 widest screen, but this time it works. Oh those gliding shots of veteran cars. Good to see Kaarin Fairfax on big screen. If you liked The Dish or The Castle or the young Bryan Brown, this is a delight for you, and Not Too Long in run time. Good entry on a career, it seems to me.

Beautiful cinema

[rebecca_nelson-60000 · 10/10 · 23 August 2018]

This is a beautiful and sensitively told story of fatherhood, shot with exquisite cinematography, tightly edited and with superb writing. Highly recommended. A wonderful movie.

Sometimes a loss is a win

[Phil_M_A_Kerr · 10/10 · 18 January 2021]

Clever low(er) budget drama set in the western suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. Having protagonist as a courier was a great device for us and the character's son to see different parts of the multicultural Melbourne. Don't get me wrong, it's fairly tense throughout. When the father has just found his way out of some trouble you're hoping he doesn't do what you think he's gonna do. What does he do? Well, there's a great look captured in slow motion on the face of actor Damian Hill that gives it away. Top supporting cast and disciplined script. Smart cinematography.