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Walkabout Details

1970 DVD Certificate 12.gif
  • Rated:
  • 70
  • from 2557 members

After a pair of British children are abandoned in the Australian outback, they join up with a young Aborigine who is performing his traditional, coming-of-age rite of passage, the Walkabout. A commentary on pastoral simplicity versus cosmopolitan clutter, this haunting film marked Nicholas Roeg's directorial debut. Based on the .. Read more

Starring Jenny Agutter, John Meillon, Lucien John, Peter Carver
Director Nicolas Roeg
Genres Drama

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Walkabout cover art

Walkabout

After a pair of British children are abandoned in the Australian outback, they join up with a young Aborigine who is performing his traditional, coming-of-age rite of passage, the Walkabout. A commentary on pastoral simplicity versus cosmopolitan clutter, this haunting film marked Nicholas Roeg's directorial debut. Based on the novel by James Vance Marshall.

Starring Jenny Agutter, John Meillon, Lucien John, Peter Carver, John Illingsworth, Barry Donnelly, Noelene Brown
Director Nicolas Roeg
Studio UCA
Run time DVD: 1 hr 36 mins
Certificate DVD Certificate 12.gif
Genres Drama
Language English
Released DVD: 03 Nov 2007
Production year: 1970
Format DVD

  • Critics' reviews (2) of Walkabout

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  • 5 stars out of 5

    Nicolas Roeg's second film as director is an atmospheric masterpiece of sexual tension. Jenny Agutter and Lucien John play the children stranded in the Australian outback when their father commits suicide. As they are guided by an Aborigine youth (David Gulpilil), who teaches them how to live off the seemingly arid land, the film examines the relationship between the youth and the girl — a relationship that has to span a chasm of misunderstandings caused by cultural differences and the innocence of childhood. Roeg successfully conjures up a tale that is as dazzling as the shimmering landscape against which it is set.

    • Radio Times
    • Posted 29 Jan 2006

  • Roeg's second film (made after the massively delayed Performance) is at first sight uncharacteristic: the story of two... read more on Time Out

    • Time Out
    • Posted 04 Nov 2008

  • Most helpful member's review of Walkabout

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  • 10 out of 10 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    G’day Mate!

    Two children (Agutter and John) are left in the middle of the Australian outback after their father tries unsuccessfully to shoot them and then turns the gun on his self. Fortunately, an Aboriginal boy (Gulpilil) discovers them on his Walkabout, a traditional rite of passage where the young male learns to live off the land. Despite their attempts to maintain an air of social etiquette, the two children are exposed to a primal environment where their food is killed by hand and natural resources are skilfully utilised. With its combination of innovative editing, breathtaking landscape cinematography and wistful soundtrack (John Barry), Walkabout is truly a sensory treat. Under the skilful direction of Roeg the film is constantly kept alive, with each frame continually being filled new and wonderful imagery. The lack of real action and plot may off put some people but those who enjoy films for their visual flair (Picnic of Hanging Rock for example) will certainly enjoy this title. Of course if you are an older viewer then you can also relive the rather guilty pleasure of viewing the rather seductive Agutter wandering around in, and out, of a school uniform……. 5/5

      • Clucky from Cardiff, Wales
      • Posted 14 Jul 2005 16:12

  • Most recent members' review of Walkabout

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  • 4 out of 4 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    Nicolas Roeg is a genius

    After watching this, I was bowled over much in the same way as after watching 'Don't Look Now'. A gentle, subtle yet intensely beautiful film with images and scenes that stayed in my mind for days. A bona fide classic.

      • Adam Park from Purgatory
      • Posted 13 May 2005 16:39

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Rating breakdown

2,557 Member ratings
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292
  • 90
258
  • 80
503
  • 70
487
  • 60
444
  • 50
240
  • 40
141
  • 30
88
  • 20
70
  • 10
34

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      • After a pair of British children are abandoned in the Australian outback, they join up with a young Aborigine who is performing his traditional, coming-of-age rite of passage, the Walkabout. A ...