Australian books and movies that give a good general idea what it's like 'down under'?

Question

I read a lot.

and I watch a lot of movies.

and...I'm interested in moving to Australia!

Many of the "guide books" I've come across fail to mention the nitty-gritty details of life in various cities and regions of Oz. Not to mention the cultural mores and political attitudes. etc.

Whether this is out of politeness or ignorance I don't know but...

I'd really appreciate any pointers on various media and 'slang' dictionaries etc etc that might give me a better impression on what it means to BE an Australian and/or live in Australia.

P.S.

I like crime fiction and historical fiction and really just *any* well written book or well produced / acted movie that covers these topics.

Also any suggestions of well respected comedians (I find them pretty useful at cutting to the chase at what makes a people tick) and musicians (Midnight Juggernauts!)

would be very much appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Theres a show called Underbelly ..

Answer 2

The best Australian comedian is Carl Baron. He pokes fun at us & is very funny. He has 2 DVDs.

Australia is so varied depending on where you want to go. Some places are seriously like home & away & neighbours, but wityhout all the over the top drama & some places are like the movie, The castle, lol. But thats way into the country.

Answer 3

Classic Australian movies include:

Gallipoli

The Piano

Rabbit Proof Fence - aboriginal

Ten Canoes - aboriginal

and on a lighter note:

Kenny

Muriel's wedding

The Castle

The Dish

Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Cold Chisel is a classic Australian rock band from the 80's, also Midnight Oil you know already.

The Chaser is a great current comedy series on TV, I think you can buy (or borrow?) the DVD of the last couple of series, although I warn you if you are American it contains a bit of poking fun at Americans. Dave Hughes is another current comedian.

*Edit - I've been trying to think of historical books with Aussie themes, I've come up with 'For the term of his natural life', 1874, Marcus Clarke - fiction, and 'The fatal shore', 1987, Robert Hughes (non-fiction). Crime isn't really a feature of Aussie life - I've got nothing there, we just read British crime novels and watch US crime TV

Aussie poetry has tended to be more prominent than Aussie books. There's heaps of famous poems such as:

The man from Snowy River - Banjo Paterson

My country - Dorothea MacKellar

Click go the shears - anonymous

Waltzing Matilda - Banjo Paterson

You could find all these on the web I'm sure.

Obviously none of this describes modern Australia, but it gives a feel for its history and background if you're interested.

Answer 4

If you would like a true depiction of life in Australia try the 80s movie Mad Max.

Answer 5

ummm crocodile dundee

Steve Irwin the crocodile hunter movie

kenny.....

Answer 6

Basically, the advice i can give you about being in Australia, is you'll get all different types of people, places, and cultures.

some places are like movies..some arent.

the only thing completely inaccurate is the large amount of kangaroos in the suburbs. =P they live in the BUSH/COUNTRY.

=D