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My Brilliant Career (1979)

My Brilliant Career (1979)
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Both actress Judy Davis and director Gillian Armstrong made a big splash on the international scene with this charming Australian film that examines late 19th century Australian society from the perspective of a headstrong woman who refuses to follow convention. The film charts the developing self-awareness of Sybylla Melvyn (Judy Davis) as she grows from an insecure tomboy to a self-assured woman. Sybylla wants to be a writer and stuns her family and friends by her insistence on following her dream. Despite the objections of her family acquaintances, she rejects the marriage proposal from the rich Harry Beecham (Sam Neill) to continue going her own way, in spite of the odds stacked against her in a repressive Victorian environment. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

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Starring:
Judy Davis, Sam Neill, (more)
Director(s):
Gillian Armstrong
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
G
Format(s):
DVD  |  Blu-ray
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Synopsis of My Brilliant Career

Both actress Judy Davis and director Gillian Armstrong made a big splash on the international scene with this charming Australian film that examines late 19th century Australian society from the perspective of a headstrong woman who refuses to follow convention. The film charts the developing self-awareness of Sybylla Melvyn (Judy Davis) as she grows from an insecure tomboy to a self-assured woman. Sybylla wants to be a writer and stuns her family and friends by her insistence on following her dream. Despite the objections of her family acquaintances, she rejects the marriage proposal from the rich Harry Beecham (Sam Neill) to continue going her own way, in spite of the odds stacked against her in a repressive Victorian environment. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
100 mins

Complete Cast of My Brilliant Career


Director(s):
Gillian Armstrong
Writer(s):
Eleanor Witcombe
Producer(s):
Margaret Fink
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
G(Adult Situations, Suitable for Children)
Categories:
Independent Films
My Brilliant Career Awards:
  • 1979 - Australian Film Institute Awards - Best Picture
  • 1980 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Most Promising Newcomer
  • 1980 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Actress
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Mika R.

This is a wonderful collaboration of women, the author Miles Franklin, producer Margaret Fink, director Gillian Armstrong and actress Judy Davis. I was 15 or so when I first watched this. Recently I watched this again, and was so happy to have enjoyed this movie even more, with lyricism, beauty of nature, and more than anything else, clear depiction of each character including the Sybilla played by Davis. This movie deserves higher acclaim.

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Keith G.

Note - I discuss the ending ahead, so spoiler alert! A lovely, beautifully acted first feature that launched both Judy Davis, who is amazing in this, and director Gillian Armstrong. Its lost a little something revisiting it after all these years. While the feminist ideals are inspiring and handled with complexity, there is a certain lack of emotion to it. We do not really get the deep bittersweetness of choosing loneliness over loss of self. Also, that the film forces that choice at all seems a bit disingenuous. Nothing about the Sam Neil character that suggests he would repress our heroine. He clearly loves her for the free spirit she is. To really have her need to make an either/or decision work we would need to go further into the relationship and her psychology. Last, a number of the supporting roles tend towards cliches about both the upper and lower class. But all that said, there are beautiful images and magical moments that still make this well-worth seeing.

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Mike I.

I loved this movie's strong message about being in charge of your own destiny, and not succumbing to social norm. The lead character, Sybilla, is torn between two loves, and the reality of her predicament is very well told here. If you like period pieces, even better. I will watch it again when my daughter is older. I definitly want her to see it!

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