Tomorrow, When the War Began (film)
| Tomorrow, When the War Began | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Stuart Beattie |
| Written by | Stuart Beattie |
| Produced by | Andrew Mason Michael Boughen |
| Starring | Caitlin Stasey Rachel Hurd-Wood Lincoln Lewis Deniz Akdeniz Phoebe Tonkin Chris Pang Ashleigh Cummings Andy Ryan Colin Friels |
| Music by | Johnny Klimek Reinhold Heil |
Production companies | Ambience Entertainment Omnilab Media[2] |
| Distributed by | Paramount Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 104 minutes[3] |
| Country | Template:Film Australia |
| Language | English |
| Budget | A$27 million[4] |
| Box office | US$14,178,029[5] |
Tomorrow, When the War Began is a 2010 Australian adventure film written and directed by Stuart Beattie and based on the novel of the same name by John Marsden. The film is produced by Andrew Mason and Michael Boughen. The story follows Ellie Linton, one of eight teenagers waging a guerrilla war against an invading foreign power in their fictional hometown of Wirrawee. The film stars Caitlin Stasey as Ellie Linton; Rachel Hurd-Wood, Lincoln Lewis, Deniz Akdeniz, Phoebe Tonkin, Chris Pang, Ashleigh Cummings and Andy Ryan also feature.
Production began in September 2009.[6][7][8] Principal photography began on 28 September 2009, and concluded on 6 November 2009; filming took place in the Hunter Region and the Blue Mountains, in New South Wales.
The teaser trailer for the film was released on 31 March 2010. The film was released in Australia and New Zealand on 2 September 2010.[9][10]
Plot
The film begins with a video log by Ellie. She asks the camera how she can tell their story. She suggests to herself "from the beginning."
Country high school student Ellie (Caitlin Stasey) sets off on a camping trip with close childhood friend Corrie (Rachel Hurd-Wood), together with Corrie's boyfriend Kevin, Ellie's next-door neighbour Homer, love interest Lee and friends Robyn and Fi. After driving Ellie's parents' Land Rover into the mountains, they hike down into a remote valley known as "Hell".
During their first night camping, Ellie wakes to a sky full of military aircraft. Upon arriving back town, the group finds their homes abandoned, with power, internet and telephone lines down. From the hill overlooking Robyn's house, the group sees that the only lights on in town are at the hospital and the showground. Upon reaching the showground, they find that the citizens of the town being are being detained. Ellie witnesses a man being executed with a shot to the head, and in her horror retreats too quickly, being spotted by a searchlight. They flee but are pursued by soldiers into the backyard of a house. Ellie, using Kevin's singlet, lighter and the fuel tank of a ride-on lawn mower, create an explosion that eliminates the squad.
On return to Corrie's house, they find that Lee and Robyn are missing. Ellie and Corrie witness an Australian Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet get shot down by 3 Chengdu J-10 jets. Whilst the group gathers inside to plan for their return to Hell, an enemy helicopter performs a close examination of the house. Homer shoots at and damages the helicopter, which retreats after dropping flares. The group barely escape with their lives, after a jet destroys the home.
That night, Ellie and Homer sneak back into town and find Robyn in her house. Lee has been wounded, and is being treated by Dr Clements (Colin Friels), the local dentist, who informs them that the invading forces are bringing in their vehicles and equipment from ships moored in Cobbler's Bay over the Wirrawee Bridge. After a brief skirmish with a pair of armed buggies, Robyn, Homer, Lee and Ellie meet back up at Corrie's home. They decide to return to Hell.
On the way they stop at a random house, and are greeted by school mate Chris, who is incredibly stoned and has no idea that a war is going on. Chris joins the group. They return to Hell, with plans to use it as a secluded hideout where the enemy forces will not find them. While there, they hear a radio transmission revealing that Australia has been invaded by "The Coalition Nations" from nearby Asia, who believe that they have a right to the country's vast natural resources and wealth in order to sustain their growing populations. The transmission also reveals one of the three main ports being used to deposit soldiers into the country is nearby Cobbler's Bay, the only exit from which is the Heron Bridge, which the group then makes plans to destroy.
The group sneaks back to Wirrawee, and devise a plan to blow up Heron Bridge. Ellie and Fi steal a petrol tanker from the council depot. They park it near the bridge and, while waiting for the rest of the team to take their positions. After being discovered by guards, they rush to drive the tanker forward under the bridge. The plan necessarily brought forward, Homer and Lee scare a herd of cattle onto the bridge, forcing the sentry guards to flee their posts, allowing Ellie to park the tanker under the bridge unhindered. Working together, they manage to explode the tanker, which utterly destroys the bridge. Corrie however is shot in the back as the group escapes.
Despite certain capture, Kevin decides to drive Corrie, who is seriously wounded, to the hospital and remain by her side. The group return to Hell. Ellie then finishes her video log, revealing their ongoing guerilla war, the necessity to fight, and that they have not been found.
Cast
- Caitlin Stasey as Ellie Linton, the film's protagonist and Lee's romantic interest.[11]
- Rachel Hurd-Wood as Corrie McKenzie, Ellie's best friend and Kevin's romantic interest.[12]
- Lincoln Lewis as Kevin Holmes, Corrie's romantic interest.[13]
- Deniz Akdeniz as Homer Yannos, Ellie's next-door neighbour and Fiona's romantic interest.[14]
- Phoebe Tonkin as Fiona Maxwell, Homer's romantic interest.[15]
- Chris Pang as Lee Takkan, Ellie's romantic interest.[14]
- Ashleigh Cummings as Robyn Mathers, a religious teenager.[15]
- Andy Ryan as Chris Lang, a stoner.[14]
- Colin Friels as Dr. Clement, the Wirrawee dentist
- Don Halbert as Mr. Linton
- Olivia Pigeot as Mrs. Linton
- Stephen Bourke as Police Officer
- Kelly Butler as Mrs. Maxwell
- Julia Yon as Mrs. Takkam
- Dane Carson as Mr. Mathers
- Matthew Dale as Mr. Coles
- Gary Quay as Senior Soldier
- Michael Camilleri as Tanker Driver
Production
Filming began in the Hunter Region of New South Wales Australia on 28 September 2009 with early shooting in Dungog.[16] Raymond Terrace was chosen as a major location for producing the film as it is "a great country town".[17] Historic King Street, the former main street of the town, was transformed from a normally quiet location into Main Street, Wirrawee. The street began its transformation in September 2009, with set areas including the "Wirrawee Cinema" and the Lee family's Thai restaurant. Filming began in King Street on 21 October 2009 and continued until 27 October 2009. Filming in other locations in the town ended on 6 November 2009.[18][19]
Other filming locations included Maitland, the Blue Mountains and the Luskintyre bridge. The Fox Studios site in Sydney was also used.[20] The explosions of the house and bridge were filmed, scaled-down, at Terrey Hills in northern Sydney.
Reception
Critical response
Tomorrow, When the War Began has received positive reviews from most film critics. The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported that 82% of critics gave the film a positive rating, based on 22 reviews, with an average score of 6.2/10.[21] The site's consensus is that "While the script isn't amazing and the story's race issues linger, this adaptation of John Marsden's book is an exciting, action-heavy adventure that should please fans of the series."[21]
Marc Fennell of Triple J wrote that Tomorrow, When the War Began has "patchy acting, fantastic action and some great slivers of humour in a movie that only gives off the faintest whiff of a xenophobic nation terrified of being invaded."[22] Margaret Pomeranz of At the Movies wrote that "Stuart Beattie handles the action well; I think he's less adept at handling the development of character, but I'm sure the numerous fans of the book will be satisfied with the movie."[23]
Box office
Despite not clearing its A$27 million budget, the film was a financial success at the Australian box office. The film debuted at No. 1 and made $3.86 million during its first weekend in Australia and grossed NZ$358,653 with a No. 1 debut in New Zealand.[24] Within two weeks, the film grossed over $7.7 million in Australia to become the highest-grossing domestic film of 2010.[25] The film went on to become the 13th highest-grossing domestic film of all time in Australia, grossing more than $13.2 million in box-office receipts.[26]
Paramount has acquired distribution rights for the UK, Russia, South Africa, Portugal and Scandinavia and "look forward to bringing this story to international audiences."[27]
| Australia | New Zealand | Total |
|---|---|---|
| A$13,269,717 | NZ$1,279,688 A$972,255.30 |
A$14,241,972.30 |
Accolades
| Award | Category | Name | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Inside Film Awards[28][29] | Best Feature Film | Won | |
| Best Script | Stuart Beattie | Won | |
| Best Music | Won | ||
| Best Actress | Caitlin Stacey | Won | |
| 2010 Australian Screen Sound Guild Sound Awards[30] | Soundtrack of the Year | Won | |
| Best Film Sound Recording | David Lee, Gerry Nucifora, Emma Barham | Won | |
| 52nd Australian Film Institute Awards[31] | Best Adapted Screenplay | Stuart Beattie | Won |
| Best Sound | Andrew Plain, David Lee, Gethin Creagh, Robert Sullivan | Won | |
| Best Film | Andrew Mason, Michael Boughen | Nominated | |
| Young Actor Award | Ashleigh Cummings | Nominated | |
| Readers' Choice Award | Andrew Mason, Michael Boughen | Nominated | |
| Members' Choice Award | Andrew Mason, Michael Boughen | Nominated | |
| Best Editing | Marcus D'Arcy | Nominated | |
| Best Production Design | Robert Webb, Michelle McGahey, Damien Drew, Bev Dunn | Nominated | |
| Visual Effects Award | Chris Godfrey, Sigi Eimutis, Dave Morely, Tony Cole | Nominated |
Home media
The DVD and Blu-ray editions of the film were released on December 30, 2010. Both editions were released in widescreen and have additional special features.[32][33] Some Australian stores released the DVD of the film earlier than expected on 21 December 2010, nine days before the official release date.[citation needed] Special features include John Marsden's view and an alternate ending.[citation needed]
Sequels
Executive producer Christopher Mapp stated that there may be two sequels, based on the novels The Dead of the Night and The Third Day, The Frost.[34][35] He also stated that there may be a television series, adapting the remainder of the book series.[35]
In December 2010, The Age reported that The Dead of the Night had been green-lit for production, which would commence once the script by Stuart Beattie[36] was completed,[37] with release scheduled for 2012.[38]
References
- ^ "Official TWTWB Facebook Page". 31 March 2010. Retrieved 6 May 2010.
- ^ "TOMORROW, WHEN THE WAR BEGAN". Retrieved 24 April 2010.
- ^ "Tomorrow, When the War Began". The Courier-Mail. Retrieved 31 August 2010.
- ^ "Tomorrow, When The War Began: biggest Aussie movie of 2010". 16 September 2010. Retrieved 16 September 2010.
- ^ "Box Office Mojo - Tomorrow, When the War Began 2010". 31 October 2010. Retrieved 29 December 2010.
- ^ "John Marsden book to be made into film". news.ninemsn.com.au. 22 July 2009. Retrieved 28 October 2009.
- ^ "Stuart Beattie looks to 'Tomorrow'". The Hollywood Reporter. 15 June 2009. Retrieved 28 October 2009. [dead link]
- ^ "Screen Australia announces funding for five features including Wog Boy 2: Kings of Mykonos and Tomorrow When the War Began". Screen Australia. 16 June 2009. Retrieved 28 October 2009.
- ^ "Exclusive trailer: Tomorrow: When The War Began". MovieFix. 31 March 2010. Retrieved 31 March 2010.
- ^ "Tomorrow, When The War Began (2010) - Release dates". Retrieved 3 August 2010.
- ^ Darren Rowe (7 September 2009). "'Neighbours' star scores film lead". Digital Spy. Retrieved 28 October 2009.
- ^ "Rachel Hurd-Wood joins Tomorrow". 21 September 2009. Retrieved 28 October 2009.
- ^ "Lincoln Lewis quits Home and Away to focus on movies". The Daily Telegraph. 17 September 2009. Retrieved 28 October 2009.
- ^ a b c "Bay News". Yahoo7. Retrieved 28 October 2009.
- ^ a b "Hell Has Two New Angels". 14 September 2009. Retrieved 28 October 2009.
- ^ Julieanne Strachan (28 October 2009). "Hunter the perfect spot to film John Marsden favourite". The Newcastle Herald. Retrieved 20 October 2009.
- ^ Hayley Odgers (9 September 2009). "Terrace on centre stage". Port Stephens Examiner. Retrieved 16 October 2009.
- ^ "Public Announcement". Port Stephens Examiner. 22 October 2009. Retrieved 28 October 2009.
- ^ "Public Announcement". Port Stephens Examiner. 29 October 2009. p. 81.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ "What are the major set locations?". Retrieved 17 April 2010.
- ^ a b "Tomorrow, When the War Began reviews". Rotten Tomatoes. IGN Entertainment. Retrieved 31 August 2010.
- ^ "Marc Fennell: review: tomorrow when the war began". Marcfennell.blogspot.com. Retrieved 19 December 2010.
- ^ "At the Movies: Tomorrow When The War Began". Abc.net.au. Retrieved 19 December 2010.
- ^ "Tomorrow takes top spot at box office with $3.8m opening weekend". Inside Film. 6 September 2010. Retrieved 6 September 2010.
- ^ Lynch, Sean (17 September 2010). "Tomorrow When The War Began Biggest Film Of 2010". watchoutfor.com.au. Retrieved 31 October 2010.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ "Get the Picture - Release of Australian productions - Cinema box office - Australia - Top 100 all time". Screen Australia. 7 March 2010. Retrieved 31 October 2010.
- ^ "Tomorrow When The War Began Goes International".
- ^ "Please wait". Yourmovies.com.au. Retrieved 19 December 2010.
- ^ "Tomorrow and Animal Kingdom win at the Kodak Inside Film Awards - Inside Film: Film and Television Industry News and Issues for Australian Content Creators". If.com.au. 15 November 2010. Retrieved 19 December 2010.
- ^ REEL TIME: Michael Bodey (3 November 2010). "Geoffrey Rush earns nod for British period drama The King's Speech". The Australian. Retrieved 19 December 2010.
- ^ "The Australian Film Institute | AFI Award Winners and Nominees Ceremony". Afi.org.au. Retrieved 19 December 2010.
- ^ "Tomorrow When the War Began @ EzyDVD". Ezydvd.com.au. Retrieved 31 October 2010.
- ^ "Tomorrow When the War Began (Blu-ray) @ EzyDVD". Ezydvd.com.au. Retrieved 31 October 2010.
- ^ "Stuart Beattie back for two 'Tomorrow' pics". Retrieved 20 September 2010. [dead link]
- ^ a b "Exclusive: Tomorrow… plans for trilogy and TV series". Encore Magazine. 10 August 2010. Retrieved 31 October 2010.
- ^ "Tomorrow sequel in the works". Smh.com.au. Retrieved 19 December 2010.
- ^ "Tomorrow sequel in the works". The Age. AAP. 13 December 2010. Retrieved 19 December 2010.
- ^ Confidential (14 November 2010). "Sequel to Tomorrow, When The War Began in the works". Courier Mail. Retrieved 19 December 2010.
External links
