No. 101. (2019) Judy & Punch. November 5th.

Film No 101 (2019) Nov. 5th.  6:30 PM  LUNA PALACE Leederville. 

"He won't be winning any more." (Judy answers the question "Does that Punchy guy win all the time?" asked by one of her new allies).

I'm not sure I have ever seen so much violence in a film carrying such a powerful anti-violence message. Judy and Punch is a rich sumptuous fable which could be taken as the origins of the Punch and Judy phenomenon. But I doubt it.

We meet the legendary marionette masters Judy (Mia Wasikowsika) and Punch (Damon Herriman) in the fictional town of Seaside (a countryside town). Their show is a crowd-pleaser and plays to a packed ale-house nightly. The marionettes are spitting images of their talented handlers and it soon becomes evident the violent storylines reveal a home truth or two. The pair have an infant child and while Punch is sober and loyal, life and work holds an even keel. The problem is, he is easily tempted. Say no more. Punch soon becomes the definition of despicable. Judy, however is every bit his match.

J & P won't be to everyone's tastes. You have to wade through some uncomfortable violence to comprehend the anti violence sentiment. This is an imaginative Australian based project with universal themes. Actress Mirrah Foulkes (Animal Kingdom) directs this, her first feature, and whilst it's slightly uneven, she shows real flair and daring. I look forward to her next film. 9GUMS.