CHANT OF JIMME BLACKSMITH, THE

THE CHANT OF JIMMIE BLACKSMITH is yet another in an ever growing string of fine Australian films. Like “The Last Wave” (1977), this film explores the relationship between the native Aborigine culture and the white man's version of civilization. Based on a novel by Thomas Keneally, the film follows Jimmie Blacksmith, a half white-half Aborigine, in his attempts to become a part of the dominant white society. To this end, he repeatedly demeans himself to people who cheat, revile and betray him. His hidden frustration builds quietly to a cinematic explosion of apocalyptic violence. JIMMIE BLACKSMITH establishes Schepisi as an important new voice in the Australian film industry. “. . .a fine, if not the finest example of Australia's rapidly growing film industry.” -Jacqueline Hirtz, Contemporary Cinema