Villa Marina Darwin: Your Gateway to Home Theatre Bliss
Movies are an incredible way to escape reality and explore new worlds. But sometimes, choosing what to watch is challenging. I’m sure you can relate to scrolling through countless options on streaming services without ever settling on a movie that excites you. Well, fear not! We at Villa Marina have got your back! We’ve compiled a list of the top must-watch movies for our guests that will entertain, delight, and transport you to new and exciting places!
Before we get into our Top 25 movies set in the NT and our Favourite 9 Blockbuster Movies, let me tell you about Villa Marina Darwin.
Unwind in Style at Villa Marina – Darwin’s Premier Luxury Retreat
Villa Marina is the perfect place to relax and unwind. This luxurious villa is in Darwin, Australia, and offers breathtaking water views, premium appointments, and a sparkling in-ground pool. From the large covered alfresco patio, you can view luxury yachts gliding by or take advantage of your private marina berth pontoon. This property has everything you need for a luxury vacation getaway. We guarantee you’ll feel right at home in this welcoming haven that is the perfect home away from home!
Where is Villa Marina Darwin?
The luxurious Villa Marina is located in Larrakeyah, Northern Territory, Australia, in the affluent and picturesque waterfront neighbourhood of Cullen Bay Darwin. It’s about 2 km northwest of the city centre and is known for its luxurious marina, stunning waterfront views, and high-end residential properties.
Villa Marina’s neighbourhood is a popular destination among locals and tourists, as it’s home to a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars along the marina boardwalk. You’re in for a treat with the long list of water-based activities available such as fishing, boating, and swimming, while it also offers easy access to nearby beaches. Getting around is easy since it’s well-connected to other areas of Darwin, with public transportation and bike paths readily available. Plus, the neighbourhood is relatively quiet and safe with a laid-back atmosphere, so it’s the perfect place to stay if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
Theatre Room Guide
Before you choose your movie, you’ll need the instructions for the Theatre Room. Don’t worry, Villa Marina staff are available to assist you with anything you may need during your stay.
Villa Marina: 25 Must-Watch Movies Set in the NT
Now, let’s get started with the top 25 movies set in the NT, Australia! These films showcase some of the region’s most stunning locations and are worth checking out.
These movies are even better when watched on the big screen. So grab some popcorn and get cozy!
25. Blinky Bill the Movie
Year of Release: 2015
Movie Genre: Adventure / Family
Directed by: Deane Taylor
Voice Cast: Ryan Kwanten, Rufus Sewell and Toni Collette
IMDB rating: 5.1/10
Blinky Bill the Movie was a 2015 adventure comedy film that was created using computer animation. It is based on the character of Blinky Bill, which Dorothy Wall initially created for a children’s book series in 1933. Flying Bark Productions produced the film and was partially distributed and co-produced by Assemblage Entertainment and Telegael.
Plot Synopsis:
In Greenpatch, Blinky Bill journeys to find his father, Mr. Bill, who created their safe and peaceful home. Inspired by his father’s legend, Blinky sets out to the Sea of White Dragons. When Mayor Cranklepot tries to take over, Blinky heads out to find his father. With the help of his friends Nutsy, Jacko, and some other creatures, Blinky realises that being a hero requires teamwork.
24. Yolngu Boy
Year of Release: 2001
Movie Genre: Western / Adventure
Directed by: Stephen Maxwell Johnson
Main Cast: Sean Mununggurr, Galarrwuy Yunupingu and Gordon Glenn
IMDB rating: 6.5/10
Yolngu Boy (2001), directed by Stephen Maxwell Johnson, portrays the lives of three Aboriginal teens in Yirrkala, North-East Arnhem Land. The film explores their dream of becoming great Yolngu hunters while navigating the clash between modernity and traditional Aboriginal culture. From spear-hunting in the morning to enjoying hip-hop and football in the afternoon, the movie captures the complex journey of these teens in a community-driven narrative.
Plot Synopsis:
Botj, Lorrpu, and Milika face challenges in their transition to adulthood. Botj’s troubled past leads to a destructive event, prompting the trio to embark on a journey to seek help from Yolngu elder Dawu in Darwin. The trek becomes a rite of passage, blending ancient bush knowledge with modern instincts. Despite efforts to prove Botj’s rehabilitation, tragedy strikes when he falls to his death while trying to reconnect with his father. The film explores themes of friendship, redemption, and the complexities of navigating tradition and modernity.
23. We of the Never Never
Year of Release: 1982
Movie Genre: Western / Drama
Directed by: Igor Auzins
Main Cast: Angela Punch McGregor, Arthur Dignam, John Jarratt and Tony Barry
IMDB rating: 6.9/10
This 1982 Australian drama film was based on the 1908 autobiographical novel We of the Never Never by Jeannie Gunn.
Plot Synopsis:
Jeannie is an educated woman adapting to outback life in 1902 with her husband, Aeneas, at Elsey Station. Despite initial scepticism from drovers, Jeannie befriends the Aboriginal community, challenging prevailing racial attitudes.
Jeannie forms connections as she navigates cultural clashes and personal challenges, even taking a mixed-heritage child under her care. Tensions rise with her husband and the white men on the station, leading to a transformative Christmas.
Jeannie’s journey takes a tragic turn when Aeneas succumbs to fever, leaving her alone at the station. However, Bett-Bett’s return from walkabout offers Jeannie companionship in the vast outback. “We of the Never Never” is a poignant portrayal of Jeannie’s journey, challenging societal norms in the unforgiving Australian wilderness.
22. Utopia
Year of Release: 2013
Movie Genre: Documentary
Directed by: John Pilger
Main Cast:
IMDB rating: 7.7/10
Utopia is a documentary film that was released in 2013. It was written, produced, and presented by John Pilger and directed by Pilger and Alan Lowery. The film explores the experiences of Aboriginal Australians in modern-day Australia. The film’s title is derived from the Aboriginal homeland community of Utopia, which is located in the Northern Territory.
Plot Synopsis:
Utopia is a documentary by John Pilger that revisits Aboriginal Australia to highlight the hardships that have been endured since his 1985 film. Despite nearly three decades passing, Aboriginal families still face overcrowded living conditions and preventable diseases. Pilger’s encounter with Salil Shetty prompts questions about Australia’s failure to address Aboriginal poverty. The film delves into issues such as failed health policies, deaths in police custody, and controversial allegations. Alarming statistics reveal a tenfold incarceration rate compared to apartheid-era South Africa, high disease rates, and rising youth suicide. Pilger emphasises the absence of a negotiated treaty and the missed opportunity of the 2010 mining tax, calling for urgent action to address ongoing injustices faced by Aboriginal Australians. “Utopia” serves as a powerful wake-up call, demanding awareness and intervention for the plight of Aboriginal communities.
21. Top End Wedding
Year of Release: 2019
Movie Genre: Comedy / Romance
Directed by: Wayne Blair
Main Cast: Miranda Tapsell and Gwilym Lee
IMDB rating: 6.3/10
Top End Wedding was an Australian romantic comedy film in 2019 directed by Wayne Blair. This film tells the story of Lauren, a lawyer planning to marry her fiance in her hometown.
Plot Synopsis:
In 1976, Daphne “Daffy” Ford escaped an arranged marriage on the Tiwi Islands, setting the stage for a multigenerational story. Fast forward to the present, where Lauren, a successful lawyer, faces unexpected challenges when planning her wedding with Ned.
Discovering her mother, Daffy, is missing, Lauren embarks on a solo journey to the Tiwi Islands. Amidst family reunions and heartfelt reconciliations, Daffy encourages Lauren to marry Ned.
20. Rogue
Year of Release: 2007
Movie Genre: Independent Horror
Directed by: Greg McLean
Main Cast: Michael Vartan, Sam Worthington and Radha Mitchell
IMDB rating: 6.2/10
Rogue is a 2007 Australian independent horror film written, produced and directed by Greg McLean. This film is about a group of tourists in Australia who fall prey to a giant 25 ft (7.6 m) man-eating saltwater crocodile. The film was inspired by the true story of Sweetheart.
Plot Synopsis:
Pete McKell, an American travel journalist, joins a small group of tourists on a crocodile-watching (River Cruise) in Kakadu National Park. A routine crocodile-watching river cruise led by wildlife researcher Kate Ryan takes a terrifying turn when their boat is attacked, leaving them stranded on a small island.
As night falls, the group faces the wrath of a massive saltwater crocodile. Tensions rise, and a daring plan to distract the beast unfolds, resulting in a heroic struggle by Pete to rescue Kate. The epic battle ends with Pete’s triumphant escape from the crocodile’s lair, turning their harrowing ordeal into a riveting tale of survival. Pete’s bravery in the face of danger becomes a captivating story, showcasing the unpredictable challenges of nature in Australia’s untamed wilderness.
19. Kanyini
Year of Release: 2006
Movie Genre: Documentary
Directed by: Michelle Hogan
Main Cast: Bob Randall
IMDB rating: 7.8/10
Kanyini, a documentary released in 2006 and conceived by Uncle Bob Randall, aims to embody his Kanyini teachings. Collaborating with producer Melanie Hogan, Randall’s vision came to life with Hogan taking on the roles of director, cinematographer, and editor. The film delves into the Kanyini philosophy and the life of Bob Randall, an Aboriginal elder, songman, and storyteller residing in Mutitjulu near Uluru, the world’s largest monolith in Central Australia.
Plot Synopsis:
In the documentary Kanyini, the late Bob Randall (1933-2015) shares Anangu wisdom and recounts the struggles of Aboriginal Australians in modern times. Randall identifies the disruption of the four Kanyini Principles by European Australians, citing the imposition of foreign laws, forced displacement from traditional lands, the separation of families in the Stolen Generations, and the replacement of Aboriginal spirituality with Christianity. He poignantly highlights the contradiction between Christian teachings and the actions of those professing them, underscoring the profound loss of Aboriginal spiritual essence, Kurunpa.
18. Kangaroo Jack
Year of Release: 2003
Movie Genre: Comedy / Adventure
Directed by: David McNally
Main Cast: Robert Tudawali and Ngarla Kunoth
IMDB rating: 4.5/10
Kangaroo Jack is a 2003 buddy comedy film directed by David McNally. It was released in the United States by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Plot Synopsis:
In 1982, in Brooklyn, Charlie Carbone, set to become the stepson of crime boss Salvatore Maggio, embarks on a wild adventure with his friend Louis Booker. After a failed assignment from Sal, they are sent to Australia with a mysterious package. However, their plans turn unexpectedly when they accidentally involve a kangaroo, leading to misadventures in the Outback. Facing threats from mobsters and comedic mishaps, Charlie and Louis eventually outsmart their pursuers and retrieve the money. In the end, they use the funds to start a new business, leaving the criminals behind bars and the once-mischievous kangaroo, now known as “Kangaroo Jack,” living contentedly in the Outback. The film concludes with Kangaroo Jack breaking the fourth wall and humorously closing the story.
17. Jedda
Year of Release: 1955
Movie Genre: Drama
Directed by: Charles Chauvel
Main Cast: Robert Tudawali and Ngarla Kunoth
IMDB rating: 6/10
In 1955, Charles Chauvel wrote, produced, and directed the Australian film Jedda, which was released in the UK as Jedda the Uncivilised. Jedda was seen as influential in developing Australian cinema and setting a new standard for Australian films.
Plot Synopsis:
Jedda, an indigenous girl born on a Northern Territory cattle station, is taken in by Sarah McMann after her mother’s death. Despite Sarah’s attempts to assimilate Jedda into European ways, she yearns to explore her own culture. Forbidden by Sarah, she becomes curious about an Aboriginal man named Marbuck. Intrigued, she follows a song to his camp, leading to her abduction and a perilous journey through crocodile-infested swamps.
16. High Ground
Year of Release: 2020
Movie Genre: Thriller / Western
Directed by: Stephen Maxwell Johnson
Main Cast: Jacob Junior Nayinggul, Simon Baker, Callan Mulvey, Jack Thompson, Caren Pistorius and Ryan Corr
IMDB rating: 6.5/10
In 2020, High Ground, an Australian film directed by Stephen Maxwell Johnson, was based on historical events in Arnhem Land in the NT, Australia, set after WWI. It has been called a revisionist Western and meat pie western. Meanwhile, it tells of an actual historical event in a fictionalised manner with very little attention and respect for Aboriginal culture.
Plot Synopsis:
Travis, a sniper after fighting in WWI, became a policeman in Australia who lost control in an operation that resulted in a massacre of a group of Yolngu people in Arnhem Land in 1919. Travis leaves in disgust after his superiors insist on burying the truth. Twelve years later, he is forced to go back to hunt down Baywara, an Aboriginal warrior who attacks the new settlers who are causing havoc.
15. Evil Angels
Year of Release: 1988
Movie Genre: Drama
Directed by: Fred Schepisi
Main Cast: Meryl Streep and Sam Neil
IMDB rating: 6.9/10
In 1988, Evil Angels was released as A Cry in the Dark Outside Australia and New Zealand as an Australian drama film directed by Fred Schepisi. The screenplay was based on John Bryson’s 1985 book of the same title. The film was released less than two months after the Chamberians were exonerated by the NT Court of Appeals for all charges filed against them.
Plot Synopsis:
In the Australian Outback, Seventh-day Adventist Church pastor Michael Chamberlain, his wife Lindy, and their family experience a tragic turn of events when their nine-week-old daughter Azaria disappears during a camping trip. Despite Lindy’s account of a dingo taking the baby, public opinion sours, fueled by gossip and misconceptions about the family’s religious beliefs. The Chamberlains face a relentless media storm, and Lindy is eventually charged with murder based on new evidence. In a controversial trial, Lindy is convicted, and Michael receives an accessory charge. Three years later, while searching for another case, police discover Azaria’s clothing, leading to the Chamberlains’ exoneration. The film underscores the family’s challenges, with Michael reflecting on the ongoing struggle to clear their name.
14. Dust in the Sun
Year of Release: 1958
Movie Genre: Mystery
Directed by: Lee Robinson
Main Cast: Jill Adams Robert Tudawali
IMDB rating: 5.6/10
In 1958, Dust in the Sun, an Australian mystery film, was adapted from the 1955 novel Justin Bayard by Jon Cleary and produced by the team of Lee Robinson and Chips Rafferty, starring British actress Jill Adams and indigenous Australian actor Robert Tudawali.
Plot synopsis:
Northern Territory policeman Justin Bayard, was escorting an Aboriginal warrior to Alice Springs to try killing the tribal. They were attacked and forced to take refuge at an isolated cattle station.
13. Dead Heart
Year of Release: 1996
Movie Genre: Thriller / Mystery
Directed by: Nick Parsons
Main Cast: Bryan Brown, Angie Milliken, Ernie Dingo, Aaron Pedersen and John Jarratt
IMDB rating: 6.5/10
Nick Parsons wrote and directed this thriller/mystery Australian film from 1996. It was staged by Belvoir St Theatre and directed by Neil Armfield at the Eveleigh rail yards in Sydney in 1994 as a play.
Plot Synopsis:
This story was set in Wala Wala, a mainly Aboriginal town in the Outback. A dead Aboriginal man is found in the police lockup. As forbidden love, blasphemy, and murder grow in tension in the city, the film examines the strained and complex relationships between the people. Ernie Dingo portrays the idealistic local Aboriginal Christian pastor, while Bryan Brown plays the hardboiled police officer. The characters struggle to reconcile Aboriginal traditions with contemporary Australia.
Nick Parsons wrote and directed this thriller/mystery Australian film from 1996. It was staged by Belvoir St Theatre and directed by Neil Armfield at the Eveleigh rail yards in Sydney in 1994 as a play.
12. Charlie’s Country
Year of Release: 2013
Movie Genre: Drama / Adventure
Directed by: Rolf de Heer
Main Cast: David Gulpilil and Luke Ford
IMDB rating: 7.3/10
This Australian drama film was made by Rolf de Heer in 2013. David Gulpilil won the award for Best Actor at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival film and was also selected as the Australian entry for Best Foreign Language.
Plot Synopsis:
In Arnhem Land, in the Northern Territory of Australia, Charlie paints tree barks and fishes barramundi while feeling out of place in an Australia he no longer recognises. In modern Australia, he laments the loss of his culture. When the police confiscate his spear for being a weapon, he decides to leave his urban Indigenous community and go back to the bush, his “Mother Country”. As a result of his illness, he is rushed to Darwin’s hospital. After discharge, he befriends an Aboriginal woman and buys alcohol illegally for Aboriginal people who are banned from buying alcohol. This results in his imprisonment.
He agrees to teach young Aboriginal boys traditional dances when he gets out, fearing they will lose their cultural identity.
11. Blood Brothers
Year of Release: 1981
Movie Genre: Musical
Directed by: Willy Russell
Main Cast:
IMDB rating:
Blood Brothers, a musical by Willy Russell, explores the nature versus nurture theme through the lives of fraternal twins Mickey and Eddie. Separated at birth, they grow up in contrasting circumstances—one in wealth, the other in poverty. Their divergent paths lead to a tragic collision when both fall in love with the same girl, causing a rift and ultimately resulting in the brothers’ untimely deaths.
10. Black Water
Year of Release: 2007
Movie Genre: Survival Horror-Thriller
Directed by David Nerlich and Andrew Traucki
Main Cast: Diana Glenn, Maeve Dermody and Andy Rodoreda
IMDB rating: 5.8/10
Black Water was an Australian horror film in 2007, and it was written and directed by Andrew Traucki and David Nerlich. It was an International co-production of Australia and the UK and was set in the mangrove swamps of Northern Australia.
Plot Synopsis:
Grace, her husband Adam, and sister Lee visit a crocodile show on their vacation. Grace discovers she’s pregnant but keeps it from Adam. They join a fishing tour in the mangrove swamp with guide Jim. The boat capsizes, and a crocodile attacks, killing Jim and Adam. Stranded in the swamp, Lee and Grace attempt to escape, facing numerous challenges. Grace is fatally injured. After a final confrontation with the crocodile, Lee mourns her sister’s death and paddles away from the mangrove.
9. Back to Outback
Year of Release: 2021
Movie Genre: Animated Adventure / Comedy
Directed by: Harry Cripps and Clare Knight
Voice Cast: Isla Fisher, Tim Minchin, Eric Bana, Guy Pearce, Miranda Tapsell, Angus Imrie, Keith Urban and Jacki Weaver
IMDB rating: 6.5/10
Back to the Outback is an animated adventure comedy film from 2021, directed by Clare Knight and Harry
Cripps, in both their directional debuts. Netflix distributed this movie.
Plot Synopsis:
At the Australian Wildlife Park in Sydney, zookeeper Chaz Hunt has put together a captivating presentation that showcases some of the most frightening and dangerous animals. Maddie, an inland taipan, escapes a zoo with her friends – Jackie (a saltwater crocodile), Frank (a funnel-web spider), Zoe (a thorny devil), and Nigel (a marbled scorpion) as they embark on a journey to the Outback after Jackie is wrongly removed from the zoo. Along the way, they encounter other creatures, including Pretty Boy (a celebrity koala) and Jacinta (a great white shark). Facing challenges and being pursued by a zookeeper, Chaz finds strength in unity. Maddie and her friends eventually reach the Outback and reunite with Jackie, who leads the Ugly Secret Society and start a new life together.
8. The Alice
Year of Release: 2004
Movie Genre: Drama
Directed by: Kate Dennis
Main Cast: Erik Thomson
IMDB rating: 6.5/10
This Australian drama film was created by Justin Monjo and Robyn Sinclair. It was set in the central outback town of Alice Springs.
Plot Synopsis:
As a solar eclipse approaches Alice Springs, diverse individuals come together for the event. Toby Delaney, a local, improvises an adventurous bush trip for a group of German tourists after their hotel is destroyed. A Medical student, Matt Marione, was left behind during a train stop and was rescued by a mysterious Aboriginal elder. Unfortunately, runner Connor ‘The Pelican’ Gregory meets his end, and his wife becomes a murder suspect. Meanwhile, former musician Jack Jaffers, captivated by the scene, plans to buy land and rebuild a derelict hotel where his band had its first gig. The convergence of these characters unfolds against the backdrop of the impending solar eclipse.
7. Samson and Delilah
Year of Release: 1949
Movie Genre: Romance / Western
Directed by: Cecil B. DeMille
Main Cast: Victor Mature and Hedy Lamarr
IMDB rating: 6.8/10
Samson and Delilah is an American romantic Biblical drama film from 1949, produced and directed by Cecil B. DeMille. The movie tells the story of Samson, a strong man whose secret lies in his uncut hair. Delilah, a woman who seduces him, discovers his secret and betrays him to the Philistines.
Plot Synopsis:
Samson, a Hebrew from the tribe of Dan, is engaged to Semadar. At their wedding, Samson loses a bet and is attacked by the Philistines. Later, he discovers that Semadar has been married off to another man. Seeking revenge, Samson becomes a hunted man. The Saran of Gaza plots to betray Samson through his people. Semadar’s sister, Delilah, seduces Samson and discovers that his strength lies in his hair. She betrays him, causing him to be blinded and enslaved. Samson’s final act of force brings down the temple, burying him, Delilah, and the Philistines. In the aftermath, the temple lies in ruins, and Samson’s friends mourn his death.
6. Sweet Country
Year of Release: 2017
Movie Genre: Western / Crime
Directed by: Warwick Thornton
Main Cast: Sam Neil, Bryan Brown and Hamilton Morris
IMDB rating: 6.9/10
Sweet Country is a 2017 Australian drama film directed by Warwick Thornton. The story takes place in 1929, in a sparsely populated outback of the Northern Territory, and is based on a series of actual events. It portrays the harsh reality of a divided society between British settlers and Aboriginal Australians during the interwar period in Australia.
Plot Synopsis:
Sam Kelly (Hamilton Morris) was a middle-aged Aboriginal farm worker in the outback of Australia’s NT sometime after the end of the First World War. His employer, Fred Smith (Sam Neil), a kindly preacher, agrees to lend Sam, his wife and his niece to a bitter, abusive and alcoholic veteran of WW1 named Harry March on a neighbouring farm to renovate the latter’s paddock fences. After sending Sam out to round up some cattle, Harry rapes Lizzie and threatens to skin her and Sam and rape Lucy if Lizzie tells Sam. Sam’s relationship with Harry quickly deteriorates.
5. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
Year of Release: 1994
Movie Genre: Musical / Thriller
Directed by: Stephan Elliot
Main Cast: Hugo Weaving, Guy Pearce and Terence Stamp
IMDB rating: 7.5/10
In 1994, Stephen Elliott wrote and directed a road comedy film entitled “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.” The movie was a surprising success worldwide, and its positive portrayal of LGBT individuals helped to introduce these themes to a mainstream audience. During the 67th Academy Awards, it won the Best Costume Design Award. Since then, the film has become a cult classic both in Australia and abroad.
Plot Synopsis:
Hugo Weaving portrayed Anthony “Tick” Belrose, while Guy Pearce took on the role of Adam Whitely, both playing drag queens in the film. Terence Stamp played the character Bernadette Bassenger, a transgender woman. As they journey through the expansive landscapes bordering the Simpson Desert, the trio engages with different characters, including a group of friendly indigenous Australians for whom they put on a performance. However, the journey also exposes them to the less accepting attitudes prevalent in rural Australia, particularly in towns like Broken Hill. They endure instances of homophobic abuse and violence, with their tour bus even being vandalised with derogatory graffiti. The film explores the challenges the characters face as they navigate a landscape marked by acceptance and prejudice.
4. Mad Max: Fury Road
Year of Release: 2015
Movie Genre: Action / Adventure
Directed by: George Miller
Main Cast: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron and Nicholas Hoult
IMDB rating: 8.1/10
Mad Max: Fury Road is a post-apocalyptic action film from Australia that was released in 2015. The movie was co-written, co-produced, and directed by George Miller, who worked on the screenplay with Brendan McCarthy and Nico Lathouris. This film is the fourth instalment in the Mad Max franchise and was produced by Village Roadshow Pictures, Kennedy Miller Mitchell, and RatPac-Dune Entertainment. It was distributed by Roadshow Entertainment in Australia and by Warner Bros. Pictures internationally.
Plot Synopsis:
It’s a thrilling, action-packed adventure that follows Max Rockatansky, a man haunted by his past failures who gets captured by the warlord Immortan Joe. Max then becomes a “blood bag” for a sick War Boy named Nux.
During the clash, Furiosa confronts her past, and Max envisions a child he failed to save. But despite the odds, they all band together and overcome their struggles. Nux sacrifices himself to block the canyon, and Max saves Furiosa’s life with a blood transfusion.
In the end, Joe is defeated, and Max disappears into the crowd, leaving Furiosa to lead the survivors to a new beginning. The film concludes with a sense of triumph and redemption in the harsh world they navigate.
3. The Tracker
Year of Release: 2002
Movie Genre: Action / Thriller
Directed by: Jeffrey Alan Schechter
Main Cast: Garry Sweet, David Gulpilil and Damon Gameau
IMDB rating: 4.7/10
In 2002, Rolf de Heer directed and wrote The Tracker, a feature film drama/meat pie Western starring, David Gulpilil, Gary Sweet, and Damon Gameau. This movie takes place in outback Australia in 1922, where a colonial policeman (Sweet) uses an Indigenous Australian tracker (Gulpilil) to find an alleged murderer.
Plot Synopsis:
It was somewhere in Australia in 1922. An Aboriginal man (the Tracker) is on a mission to capture a white man (the Fanatic, the Follower, and the Veteran) accused of murdering a white woman.
During their travels through the rugged Australian outback, they are each subjected to the harsh hand of The Fanatic, who will sacrifice everything to bring the accused to justice.
However, despite their relentless pursuit, The Tracker always seems half a day behind their quarry, regardless of their motives.
2. Australia
Year of Release: 2008
Movie Genre: Romance / Adventure
Directed by: Baz Luhrmann
Main Cast: Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman
IMDB rating: 6.6/10
Australia Movie is a 2008 epic adventure drama directed by Baz Luhrmann, starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. During World War II, the bombing of Darwin in Northern Australia is dramatised in the film as a backdrop for a character story set between 1939 and 1942.
Plot Synopsis:
In 1939, Lady Sarah Ashley’s journey to confront her husband at the Faraway Downs cattle station unfolds into a gripping tale of love and betrayal against the looming World War II backdrop. With her husband murdered and the station’s future at stake, Lady Sarah, aided by the enigmatic Drover and a diverse team, takes charge.
As they embark on a challenging cattle drive to Darwin, facing obstacles and forging unexpected bonds, love blossoms between Lady Sarah and Drover. The narrative intensifies during World War II, when sacrifices are made, and the characters navigate the perils of war.
The story culminates in a reunion of Lady Sarah, Drover, and the captivating Nullah, a mixed-race boy with a compelling backstory. Amidst the chaos, Faraway Downs becomes a sanctuary, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.
1. Crocodile Dundee
Year of Release: 1986
Movie Genre: Action / Comedy
Directed by: Peter Faiman
Main Cast: Paul Hogan, Mick Dundee and Linda Kozlowski
IMDB rating: 6.6/10
Crocodile Dundee is an action comedy film set in 1986 in the Australian Outback and New York City. The movie was inspired by the real-life experiences of Rod Ansell and was made on a budget of less than $10 million. It was created to make a commercially successful Australian film that would appeal to an American audience. However, it became a worldwide phenomenon. The two main stars are Paul Hogan, who portrays the weathered Mick Dundee, and Linda Kozlowski, who plays the role of reporter Sue Charlton.
Plot synopsis:
City journalist Sue Charlton travels to the Australian Outback to meet crocodile hunter Michael J. “Crocodile” Dundee. She is initially unimpressed with Mick’s rough demeanour but is won over by his impressive Outback skills, including saving her from a crocodile attack.
Sue invites Mick to New York City, where he experiences city life for the first time, resulting in amusing cultural clashes. As their feelings for each other grow, Sue’s engagement with her editor complicates matters. Mick goes on a “walkabout” across the United States, but Sue tracks him down for a heartwarming reunion, proving that love can overcome cultural differences and can be found in unconventional places.
Villa Marina: 9 Blockbuster Movies That Will Blow Your Mind!
After you’ve ticked off all the must-see movies set in the NT off your list, check out some of our favourites! From gripping dramas to captivating Sci-Fi, there’s something for every movie enthusiast to enjoy.
1. Grand Budapest Hotel
Year of Release: 2014
Movie Genre: Comedy / Crime
Directed by: Wes Anderson
Main Cast: Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham, Mathieu Amalric, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Harvey Keitel, Jude Law, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Saoirse Ronan, Jason Schwartzman, Léa Seydoux, Tilda Swinton, Tom Wilkinson, Owen Wilson and Tony Revolori
IMDB rating: 8.1/10
The Grand Budapest Hotel, directed by Wes Anderson in 2014, was a whimsical comedy-drama featuring Ralph Fiennes as Monsieur Gustave H., a charming concierge framed for murder. Teaming up with his protégé Zero, played by Tony Revolori, they embark on a comedic quest for fortune and a priceless painting in a changing political landscape. The film, funded through Indian Paintbrush and German tax rebates, captivates with its quirky characters and visually stunning scenes. The movie was celebrated as a whimsical masterpiece and one of the greatest films of its time.
Plot Synopsis:
Set in the fictional nation of Zubrowka, “The Grand Budapest Hotel” recounts the adventures of Gustave H., the charismatic concierge, and his protégé Zero Moustafa. In 1932, they become entangled in a murder mystery and art theft at the opulent hotel. Framed for the crime, Gustave escapes from prison, aided by a group of unlikely allies. The film unfolds through layers of storytelling, blending humour, romance, and tragedy. Gustave’s pursuit of justice, love, and the legacy of the Grand Budapest weaves a tale of whimsy and sorrow against the backdrop of war and political upheaval.
2. Titanic
Year of Release: 1997
Movie Genre: Romantic / Drama
Directed by: James Cameron
Main Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet
IMDB rating: 7.9/10
Directed, written, produced, and co-edited by James Cameron, Titanic is an iconic American romantic disaster film that intertwines historical and fictionalised elements based on the 1912 sinking of the RMS Titanic. Cameron’s inspiration stemmed from his fascination with shipwrecks, and he aimed to convey the emotional impact of the disaster through a compelling love story.
Plot Synopsis:
Treasure hunter Brock Lovett searches the Titanic wreck for a valuable necklace, finding a drawing of a young woman instead. The depicted woman, Rose Dawson Calvert, contacts Lovett, narrating her experience as a Titanic passenger in 1912. The story unfolds with 17-year-old Rose’s tumultuous engagement to wealthy Cal Hockley and her life-changing encounter with penniless artist Jack Dawson. Against the backdrop of the ship’s tragic sinking, Rose and Jack’s love story unfolds. The narrative shifts between past and present, revealing Rose’s lifelong connection to the Heart of the Ocean necklace and her enduring bond with Jack, even in death. The tale concludes with an older Rose dropping the necklace into the sea over the Titanic wreck, symbolising her reunion with Jack in the afterlife.
3. Life of Pi
Year of Release: 2012
Movie Genre: Adventure / Fantasy
Directed by: Ang Lee
Main Cast: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Tabu, Rafe Spall and Gérard Depardieu
IMDB rating: 7.9/10
Life of Pi, directed by Ang Lee, is an adventure drama based on Yann Martel’s novel. The film follows Pi Patel, a sixteen-year-old Indian boy, and a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker, who are stranded on a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean for 227 days after a shipwreck.
Plot Synopsis:
Pi Patel, a young Indian boy, survives a shipwreck and finds himself on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. Struggling for survival in the Pacific Ocean, Pi establishes an uneasy companionship with the tiger. As the journey unfolds, Pi faces various challenges, including storms, hunger, and a carnivorous floating island. Eventually reaching Mexico after over 200 days at sea, Pi is the sole survivor. However, when questioned by insurance agents, he presents two versions of his ordeal—one with animals and another with humans, leaving the truth ambiguous. The writer, hearing both stories, reflects on the nature of faith and interpretation.
4. Inception
Year of Release: 2010
Movie Genre: Science Fiction Action Film
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Main Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio
IMDB rating: 8.8/10
Inception is a science fiction action film from 2010, it was written and directed by Christopher Nolan it was also produced by Emma Thomas, his wife. The movie features Leonardo DiCaprio as a skilled thief who infiltrates dreams to steal information. Offered a chance to erase his criminal past, he must plant an idea in someone else’s subconscious. The film’s ensemble cast includes Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, and Tom Hardy. Nolan conceived the idea in 2002, and after gaining more experience, he began filming in 2009.
Plot Synopsis:
Cobb, an extractor, assembles a team for an inception job on Robert Fischer, aiming to dissolve his father’s company. Using dream-sharing technology, they navigate three dream layers. Cobb faces challenges from his haunting past with Mal, revealing the complexities of inception. The team orchestrates synchronised kicks to wake up and complete the mission. The film ends with Cobb choosing family over certainty, leaving the totem’s spin unanswered, emphasising the ambiguity of dreams and reality.
5. Jurassic Park
Year of Release: 1993
Movie Genre: Adventure / Sci-Fi
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Main Cast: Sam Neil, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum and Richard Attenborough
IMDB rating: 8.2/10
Directed by Steven Spielberg, Jurassic Park (1993) is a science fiction blockbuster based on Michael Crichton’s novel. Set on the fictional Isla Nublar, a wildlife park of de-extinct dinosaurs turns perilous when sabotage disrupts security. The film became a critical and commercial success with groundbreaking CGI and animatronics, grossing over $914 million globally. Jurassic Park’s innovative use of computer-generated imagery influenced modern cinema.
Plot Synopsis:
Industrialist John Hammond created Jurassic Park, a dinosaur theme park. He invites experts—paleontologist Alan Grant, paleobotanist Ellie Sattler, and chaos theorist Ian Malcolm—to assess its safety. As they tour, the park faces disruptions caused by disgruntled programmer Dennis Nedry. Chaos ensues when Nedry’s sabotage unleashes dinosaurs, leading to a T. rex attack. Stranded, the group faces various dangers, including Velociraptors. With Nedry’s computer skills, Hammond’s grandchildren, Lex and Tim, and the experts must restore power to escape the island. The climax involves a showdown with raptors and the Tyrannosaurus rex, culminating in a helicopter rescue.
6. Avatar
Year of Release: 2009
Movie Genre: Adventure / Sci-Fi
Directed by: James Cameron
Main Cast: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez and Sigourney Weaver
IMDB rating: 7.6/10
Avatar is a groundbreaking film set in the mid-22nd century on Pandora, a moon in the Alpha Centauri star system directed, co-produced, written and co-edited by James Cameron. Humans are colonising Pandora to mine the valuable mineral unobtanium, endangering the Na’vi, an indigenous humanoid species. The film explores the conflict through the eyes of a human controlling a genetically engineered Na’vi body. Development began in 1994, with filming delayed until technology caught up with Cameron’s vision. Released in 2009, “Avatar” received acclaim for its revolutionary visual effects. It became the highest-grossing film of all time, a title later surpassed but reclaimed with re-releases.
Plot Synopsis:
Set in 2154, Earth faces resource depletion, leading the Resources Development Administration (RDA) to mine Pandora, a moon inhabited by the Na’vi. Paraplegic Marine Jake Sully operates an avatar, encountering the Na’vi and falling in love with Neytiri. Conflict arises as RDA aims to extract valuable unobtanium beneath the sacred Hometree. Jake, initially a spy, joins the Na’vi against RDA’s destructive forces. After tragic losses, the Na’vi unite against Colonel Quaritch. In a climactic battle, Pandora’s wildlife intervenes, aiding the Na’vi. Jake’s connection to the Na’vi deity Eywa ensures victory, and he permanently joins the Na’vi, ending human exploitation on Pandora.
7. 2001: A Space Odyssey
Year of Release: 1968
Movie Genre: Epic Science Fiction Film
Directed by: Stanley Kubrick
Main Cast: Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood
IMDB rating: 8.3/10
In 1968, Stanley Kubrick produced and directed an epic science fiction movie. The screenplay was written by Stanley Kubrick and Arthur Clarke, a science fiction author. The film was inspired by the 1951 short story “The Sentinel” and is known for its accurate depiction of space flight, pioneering special effects, and ambiguous imagery.
Plot Synopsis:
The film begins with prehistoric hominins discovering tools under the influence of a mysterious monolith. In the future, Dr. Heywood Floyd investigates a monolith on the moon, triggering a signal towards Jupiter. The spaceship Discovery One, manned by astronauts Dave Bowman and Frank Poole with the HAL 9000 computer, heads to Jupiter. As HAL malfunctions, Dave disconnects him, learning the true mission. Upon reaching Jupiter, Dave encounters a monolith, leading to a surreal journey through space and time, culminating in a transformative experience.
8. 1917
Year of Release: 2019
Movie Genre: War / Action
Directed by: Sam Mendes
Main Cast: George Mackay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Mark Strong, Andrew Scott, Richard Madden, Colin Firth and Benedict Cumberbatch
IMDB rating: 8.2/10
1917 is a war film produced and directed by Sam Mendes that drew inspiration from stories about his grandfather’s service in WWI.
Plot Synopsis:
In World War I, Lance Corporals Schofield and Blake are tasked with delivering a critical message to stop a planned British attack that would lead to a massacre, including Blake’s brother. They navigate treacherous enemy territory, facing challenges such as booby traps and a downed pilot. Tragedy strikes when Blake is fatally wounded. Schofield overcomes obstacles, including a sniper and a river, to reach the frontline in time. Racing against the clock, he delivers the message, preventing the ill-fated assault. Schofield informs Blake’s brother of the sacrifice, offering solace and fulfilling his promise to write to Blake’s mother.
9. The Dark Knight
Year of Release: 2008
Movie Genre: Action / Crime
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Main Cast: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Heath Ledger, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart and Maggie Gyllenhaal
IMDB rating: 9/10
The Dark Knight is a superhero film directed by Christopher Nolan and a sequel to Batman Begins. Batman, along with police officer James Gordon and district attorney Harvey Dent, aims to eradicate organised crime in Gotham City. The movie was filmed with high-resolution IMAX cameras and received acclaim for its mature themes, Ledger’s iconic portrayal of the Joker, and its influence on superhero cinema. After his death, Ledger posthumously earned numerous awards, and the film became a box-office phenomenon.
Plot Synopsis:
In Gotham City, Batman, along with District Attorney Harvey Dent and Police Lieutenant Jim Gordon, is determined to eradicate organised crime. However, their efforts are disrupted by the emergence of the Joker, a chaotic mastermind. Batman supports Dent in becoming Gotham’s protector, hoping for his retirement. The Joker, seeking chaos, targets the city, which leads to tragic events. As the Joker tests the limits of heroism, Batman faces moral dilemmas. The film explores chaos, morality, and sacrifice, culminating in Dent’s tragic transformation. Batman assumes responsibility for his actions to protect Gotham from further threats and to preserve its peace.
Every movie in the Villa Marina Home Theatre tells a unique story that is based on actual events, cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural locations that will leave you amazed. Have you decided which movie to watch first? We would love to hear from you! Please leave a comment below and share your favourite movie from our list of the Top 34 Must-Watch Movies in Villa Marina or recommend one that you think we should add to our collection.
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