No. 83. (2019) Buoyancy. September 16th.

Film No 83 (2019) Sept. 16th.  6:30 PM  LUNA PALACE Leederville. 

"This is your home now, for ever" (The captain answers Chakra's question, menacingly, as to when his "debt" had been paid).

A stunningly powerful coming of age thriller. But don't expect a Stand By Me esqe experience. The brilliance of Buoyancy exists within the reality that is contemporary slavery, yes, slavery which continues to this day in the waters off Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. Australian director Rod Rathjen brings Chakra (Sarm Heng) to life as a boy keen to break from the monotony of lugging rice in his village for no pay. He decides to try his luck via a  broker to get paid work in Bangkok. The broker is corrupt and being without money Chakra is sold to a cruel sea captain who trawls the ocean for seafood "dregs" (pet food). Chakra's only payment being a cup full of stodgy rice at nightfall. We weep for this boy who innocently seeks a better life only to live a nightmare. This story is based on a hybrid of real-life tales emanating from those caught up in this slavery. Buoyancy is an example of one of the reasons I love the cinema; it tells a story that shakes my consciousness and puts my life in perspective. We all need reminding now and again. Rathjen says so much with a minimum of dialogue. He's a director now on my "watch list". 11GUMS.