Exoticalot
People are voting emotionally.
Sameeha Pugh
It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film
Anoushka Slater
While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.
Curt
Watching it is like watching the spectacle of a class clown at their best: you laugh at their jokes, instigate their defiance, and "ooooh" when they get in trouble.
Leofwine_draca
CRUSHED is an indie thriller set in and around an Aussie vineyard. The acting is okay and the plot isn't too shabby, but the film is a bit too slow and low key for its own good; put this down to the lack of available budget which means the filmmakers cut corners at times. As a rule, however, it's a lot better than most independent films which go for a basic, often juvenile approach by comparison.
Peter Pluymers
There are already a number of Australian films that made an indelible impression on me. Even such an impression that I've become a little fan of movies originating from this part of the world. Perhaps "Crushed" is the first minor disappointment. Not because it's an ordinary murder mystery with all associated developments and necessary turns. But simply because there was something missing to make a perfect investigators story. And that's suspense, tension and mystery. It wasn't so to speak exciting and the outcome of the whole story was just predictable. The only surprising part was the quite violent and bloody ending. Actually, I didn't see that one coming.Ellia (Sarah Bishops) returns to her family after hearing the terrible news of her father's death. Apparently a heavy barrel fell on the head of this vineyard owner in Australia. The result isn't a persistent hangover, but a fatal skull fracture. Ellia left quietly after the death of her twin brother and she has been incommunicado with her family since then. Not surprisingly, the initial contacts appeared to be rather coolly. Not to say hostile. As it turns out that her dad seems to be murdered, her mother Sophie (Roxane Wilson) started to mess around with an uncle (Les Hill) in the Australian bushes and gets arrested because the police finds it suspicious that she wants to sell the family business, Ellia gets caught up in a complicated puzzle. The first positive side of this film. They don't beat around the bush. Before you know it, you're looking at a murder mystery, a family dynasty shaking on its foundations, an unexplained drama out of the past and an erroneous environmental decision causing trouble for plants on the surrounding lands and hostile neighbours. Indeed, it's a lot. And yet it's a matter of logical elimination to find out who did it. In "Crushed" the simple rule of most murder mysteries is maintained. Those who look most suspicious, are usually the ones who ultimately didn't do it. So take a close look at the individuals that surround Ellia and choose the person you'd never expect to be the suspect. Bingo.Despite the abundance of subjects and the sometimes disappointing acting, there were also some good sides to this film. The used images were excellent from time to time. And the denouement was surprisingly brutal with an unprecedented number of casualties as a result. Most notable and outstanding role was played by Remy Brand as the timid and emotionally hurt brother Zac. The only thing that started to annoy me were the amount of consumed glasses of wine. I realize that there is a link with a vineyard, but at one point I had the feeling that wine was the only beverage they could drink there. Or the climate is causing an insufferable thirst. It wasn't exactly real added value. It's just that I constantly wondered whether she had a drinking problem or not. Are you a fan of a typical detective story, now happening in the land of kangaroos, then it is worth to see it. More reviews here : http://bit.ly/1KIdQMT
Amanda Doueihi
Set in beautiful Australian wine country, the location almost becomes another character in the film. A young woman returns home after she finds out about her father's death. She begins to realize that his death wasn't an accident and becomes determined to figure out who killed her father and why. You are taken on an emotional journey, as Ellia questions whether she can trust her closest friends and family. This film is brilliantly written and filmed, and keeps the audience questioning everyone's motives until the end. Written and directed by an Australian woman, with a cast of amazing Australian actors, this film really shows off what the Aussies can do. Definitely a must see! Crushed received FOUR NOMINATIONS for the Buffalo Dreams Fantastic Film Festival: * Best Thriller Feature Film - Crushed * Best Actress - Sarah Bishop * Best Feature Director - Megan Riakos * Best Screenplay - Megan Riakos
Kari Pilcher
Beautiful landscape makes for an incredible juxtaposition against the heart racing fear this thriller incites. As someone who dislikes thrillers I was apprehensive about seeing this film however a few months on I find myself wanting to watch it again. I think its a very classy 'who done it'. There is also levity to break the tension of the movie without it being too slapstick. Australian movies have typically bad reputations with Australian audiences however the time for that has passed and we need to move on and support our industry and Crushed is a perfect example of the class of Australian writing, acting, directing and cinematography. If you want to start supporting the Australian industry - start with Crushed.