The Last of the Knucklemen

Respectable film about machismo that focuses on a group of burly working class ex-cons living in close quarters. Although it seems stereotypical, it plays like a fairly accurate period portrait of crude Australian men belonging to a specific social strata. Powers/Burstall don't romanticise their vulgarity, but they have nothing significant to say about it either. Nonetheless, it's a superior Aussie New Wave film thanks to decent writing and sincere performances.

Strewth! Not a film for hardcore feminists, this film pretty much oozes sweat, dust, and beer. It's all pretty well acted, written, and directed, as demonstrated in the most intense card game scene this side of Casino Royale.