Last Train to Freo (2006) User Reviews

What a train ride

[paulmartin-2 · 7/10 · 1 September 2006]

This was an interesting film with some unusual elements. It's a story in real time and it has some real tension to it. I thought the characters were going to be caricatures, but was pleasantly surprised to find that mostly they were authentic.

The film is based on a play, and at times this seemed evident (particularly the weaknesses). But because the story was original and different, it had a freshness and vitality to it.

There were some minor contrivances and implausibilities in the first hour that I could easily overlook because of the strength of the performances and the genuine tension. The setting within an all but deserted train carriage was claustrophobic and chilling. For me, the film took a turn for the worse after an hour, that lead to aspects that just didn't ring true.

Overall, it was a job well done by Jeremy Sims as first-time director, and worth seeing in one of the best years in Australian cinema for a very long time. There's been a great diversity of interesting stories. From the actors, I found the performances of Steve Le Marquand, Tom Budge and Gillian Jones the strongest. Gigi Edgeley was good but not consistent (perhaps that's the fault of the script).

On a final note, for the life of me, I can't understand the Office of Film and Literature Classification's "MA" (equivalent to "R" in the US) on this film. Yes, there is a little violence and coarse language – but with the Hollywood shoot-em-ups that get through on an "M" rating, I can't see why this shouldn't also.

great little film

[SamuelHW · 8/10 · 7 January 2007]

I saw this film the other day on a Qantas flight back to London from Sydney. If anyone has ever done the flight then you'll know how tedious it is, but I decided to explore some of the more obscure films that were provided and was rewarded with this little gem. Featuring only five characters and very little action, it manages to keep you hooked through great dialogue and interesting characters which are well acted. In fact, it is reminiscent of a Harold Pinter or Samuel Beckett play, bearing more than a few resemblances to "Waiting For Godot" and the like. It creates tension and keeps you guessing throughout through character development and conversation, rather than showy special effects and cheap thrills. At times it drags, but this is a minor flaw and overall it's well worth checking out, proving that there's more to Australian media than Neighbours and Home And Away. Good stuff

one surprising film

[nobbytatoes · 7/10 · 15 September 2006]

Last Train to Freo is one of the most interesting Australian films of the year. Stripped to basics with minimal cast and only one location of the train carriage, taking our two protagonists Steve and Trev, and three strangers from Perth to Freemantle. Starting off just as a two hander with Steve and Trev, conversation is minimal and ultimately doesn't grab your attention. It's all small talk between friends, yet insight does start to unfold. Steve holds himself as an omnipotent "bogan", constantly referring to himself as 'complex and multifaceted'. Steve also holds himself as protector to Trev, a drug addict. Trev is the down trodden no-hoper, sticking to Steve through constant abuse. As time ticks by, when the story already looks stretched beyond limits, our first stranger boards the train, and everything changes.

Last Train to Freo is a great character study on the interaction between strangers. It has become a modern trend that people in situations like the train, kept to their own and turn the blind eye. Writer Reg Cribb, adapting his own stage play, shows that everyone has a story, you've just got to ask; though we people rather worry about their on skin. Steve likes to explore other people's lives, his attempt at cutting down the stereotype society labels him, yet him brashness and vulgar ways at times gives you affirmation to keep to yourself.

Even for its short running time, Last Train to Freo does suffer from a very slow burn. When starting off with Steve and Trev, you wonder where is this going and how can this last. When other characters start being inducted, plot twist unfold and slowly evolves into a gripping thriller. The tension builds upon itself to unbelievable levels, by the end the grip is unbearable. Probably the downfall of the plot twists are they don't completely hold true, and only there too keep the film moving forward. Though this is easily forgiven from the great tension and strong performance.

Steve Le Marquand and Tom Budge are amazing and the strongest of the cast. Steve perfectly captures that omnipotent personality of Steve and evokes it well. Gigi Edgley, Glenn Hazeldine are great, and Gillian Jones is quite a stunner as Maureen.

For it's basic concept, Last Train to Freo is one film that comes as quite a surprising film.

Big Thug

[tedg · 2 July 2007]

This is terrific. Its good in the ordinary sense: it engages and it sweeps you emotionally. Its good in a cinematic sense in that it is set in a single railcar and the camera stays interesting. Narratively, there are three important narrative twists, and all of them cast in the framework of an inner story, so we have a triple fold at the second level. If it were from North America, it would be merely good. But it is Australian, and there's a sort of metastory about thuggishness here.

To understand this you have to know a bit about Australian narrative. Or at least what I see in it. Its peculiar, unique. It has a style that's recognizable, that business about openness and naturalness, and a bit rude. But more important to me is the reflexive nature in what they do. Sometimes its not so subtle and seen in the acting style of Kate Winslet, Judy Davis and Cate Blanchett. You can see it in lesser talents: Heath, Mel, Russell, Nichole. Its that modern notion of acting in a way that simultaneously conveys the manner acting in the way the character would.

Australian films have this property too. Luhrmann. Weir. Jackson (New Zealand counts.) Its even true of some Nonaussies making films in Australia. Its so prevalent that I am sure there is a strong, perhaps unconscious undercurrent of young talent that want to go against that collection of notions. They're strong, but on the negative side you could think it too cerebral, too intellectual.

You may want something more direct, visceral, simple. This is that, a sort of Australian countermovement. And its reflected in the story, where two thugs are the target of stories written about them and (spoiler) in the end, by force of sheer emotion and life, they turn it into the story they write.

Much of the dialog speaks to this conflict, the one that stems from life close to the soul, apparently dangerous.

Ted's Evaluation -- 3 of 3: Worth watching.

pretty good small film

[Rob-O-Cop · 7/10 · 28 August 2007]

quite respectable movie. It seemed a bit stage playish at times and since it was adapted from the writers play I guess that makes sense, but it did mostly manage to go that little bit further. The thugs were impressively real and the situation seemed realistically unpredictable which made it pretty frightening at times. If it was written to make me question people and situations like this it did a good job. I wanted to know why these thugs felt they could act like they do, The only downer for me was the ending where it all seemed a bit melodramatic but I suppose they had to end it somehow, the first 3/4 were excellent though. a good effort and worth watching.

Strange how observation transforms into introspection.

[diane-34 · 10/10 · 5 October 2006]

Diane and I watched this extraordinary film in Freo yesterday not far from where it reached its quiet conclusion. We were both completely absorbed in this filmed stage play meaning that the action was completed totally within the confines of a suburban train traveling through Perth from one end to another. Boring you might say and it could have easily been in the hands of less superb actors working with a far less substantial script.

I have rarely seen film that sustains visceral tension for its entire length: Pacino's Scarface did it but the overall result in my opinion was less tense than director Sims managed to sustain in this beauty. Again, in my opinion, the credit must be shared between Sims and the lead actor Steve Le Marquand. I can not say enough about Marquand's extraordinary performance. To be able to maintain a palpable sense of fear for the length of the entire movie is difficult and by so doing catapults the actor into a new realm of acting ability. Marquand had that acting ability to, in one instant act as if butter wouldn't melt in his mouth and an instant later literally frighten the observer into believing that his actions include any possibility-scary stuff.

The secondary roles must be mentioned because as all artists know the canvas is nearly as important as the paint and the roles that Marquand played off could not have been better. They contributed through their own excellent acting to a canvas upon which this marvelous film could be painted.

Make every effort to see this gem-you will be amply rewarded.

Surprisingly good

[Freelancer42 · 9/10 · 6 May 2008]

Five people on a train for an hour and a half, how good can it be? Well, considering my rating, I'd say pretty good. To tell you the truth, I just watched this because Gigi Edgley was in it (I love her), and my expectations weren't really that high. Just a few minutes in I was pretty sure I had nothing to worry about. With most movies nowadays (at least the ones that reach me) focusing on action and hi-tech stuff, this movie felt really refreshing. Even though it begins pretty light, with two guys just having fun (well, at least one of them) on the train, it gets increasingly darker and more complex with every minute. No one is really what they seem to be, and several plot twists were truly unexpected. As was the ending. Speaking of which, by the time you get there you'll have no idea what will happen. That's a feeling lacking in most contemporary movies. I mean, the good guys always win, right? But what if there is no good guy? No bad guy? Just people. Real people.

And if you're too lazy to read all that, then at least read this: Watch this movie. You'll be positively surprised. If not, send me an e-mail and I'll buy you a beer. Or something.

Not worth the trip

[shermanlazzar · 3/10 · 21 December 2007]

Being Australian, I keep a close eye out for Aussie films and am always willing to give them a chance. I must say that the film started off at a crawl and gradually picked up some momentum which kept me watching. The film continued to pick up momentum but fell flat at the ending.

The story follows two men, young Trev, a deadbeat no-hoper teenager from the street and his tall unnamed thug associate recently released from prison as they call the last train from Perth to Freo in the early hours of the morning. Eventually three more people get on the last train to Freo, and some interesting revelations about these characters are revealed.

The acting isn't too bad and the dialogue was quite fresh and uniquely Australian. But at the end of the day, nothing happens. The film continues to build momentum throughout - revelations are made and the main thug becomes more aggressive and we wait in anticipation to see the outcome. But the film does not take the next step. Some may applaud the film for doing this, but not me because it meant the film was completely devoid of anything happening. The concept was interesting, but it seemed the writers didn't know where to take it. Nor did I feel that the film made any relevant commentary on society which it attempts to do.

Its disappointing because this film was quite an interesting concept but the result is forgettable.

Drama/Thriller Builds to a Crescendo

[Samualt · 8/10 · 16 April 2007]

I wasn't sure what to expect and originally watched this movie because I like just about anything with Gigi Edgley in it. I wasn't disappointed at all. This movie starts out in what seems a slow and sluggish way but the eventual twists and turns make it all worthwhile. It was an excellent character study piece. It really isn't a movie for the younger crowd because of the adult situations. But then, I guess compared to HollyWould movies this is rather tame. It is just that the acting and situations build to a crescendo towards the end and present the subject matter in a very visceral way. It will have you on the edge of your seat towards the end. The casting couldn't have been better, the acting was great, and the direction was excellent. It is a drama/thriller extraordinaire.

Pretty bad movie..

[akir-53426 · 3/10 · 19 November 2016]

I almost instantly know when couple first minutes of the film was passed that this is not gonna be as good as the Last Passenger was. Well, turned out this isn't actually even close of it.

Both basically are "one filming location" - movies and they are filmed on the train.

It's actually hard to pick any good things. I always like when actors and and filming scenes are limited. Still this was too pointless and does not make sense. I didn't like any of the actors (or character), except Lisa.

The ending and the whole plot was stupid. Not to mention about the acting. Pointless shouting and goofing around

To summarize, It's not total catastrophe, but really close of it. I do not recommend to watch this. If you're up to train movies, go watch Last Passenger.

Congratulations. Perth finally made a movie.

[kepswa · 8/10 · 14 January 2008]

Last Train to Freo is a film worth seeing. It is a good, well acted, simple idea movie which really focuses strongly on the characters involved and you will stay in suspense as their stories continue to unfold.

It will particularly appeal to the people of Western Australia as it was not only set there, it was filmed there (shock horror). This is a welcome change as the state has seen so many great films set in WA but filmed elsewhere through the likes of Gallipoli, Shine, Rabbit-Proof Fence, Wolf Creek to name a few. This is largely due to the WA government's continued stubbornness when it comes to funding films and any other area of arts for that matter. A real shame when the state continues to be a gold mine for talent. It's really no wonder then that anyone successful from Perth in film or music never really comes back. What may come as a surprise to some, is that most of the film was not filmed on an actual Transperth train, but a purpose made set which could have fooled any regular Transperth rail commuter, a real credit to the set production.

It is a film where you as the viewer can really feel yourself being involved in and where you will possibly be asking yourself what you would do if you were put in such a situation. The characters all take turns in controlling the scene and they are also all put into a state of vulnerability.

The film also touches on Perth's identity, as it has been burdened with the "Dullsville" tagline for quite a while. The most isolated city in the world has an identity crisis, with many in denial of such a claim. Trev's character seems hold some of the past of the State in his appearance: A Perth Football Club beanie from an era when WAFL was king, and a shirt from WA's 150th anniversary circa 1979. The film is set on a train which travels from Midland, through Perth, and onto Fremantle which is where the bulk of Perth's historical significance can be found.

I hope this film is a real starting point for a new culture in Western Australia. Worth seeing.

Friendly chit-chat unearths more.

[lost-in-limbo · 8/10 · 27 June 2008]

It's midnight and it's a hot steamy night, where two ex-cons catch the last train to Fremantle. A couple stops later a young lady enters the carriage, and their gaze catches her. Soon they're trying to sweet talk and capture her attention. Further along the line another two passengers enter the carriage and from then onwards it becomes something more than just your friendly get-to-know each other discussions.

The last train to any destination can be a daunting experience, and this psychologically Australian character drama that rarely leaves its confined carriage setting and passenger's sets-up an experimental, stage-like experience of such exposition. We get to know the characters quite personally, as if you're right on board the train with them and it really relies on that intensity. A towering Steve Le Marquand (a show-stopping turn) and the spontaneous Tom Budge really drive this factor with their outstandingly raw and passionate theatrical performances of two ex-cons. They both really hold your interest. The gorgeous Gigi Edgley is confidently good too. What starts off as basic with trivial exchanges, unfolds into something more which is emotionally enthralling and boldly unpredictable with its dangerous undercurrent. The layout is kept rather taut with a cerebrally involving (and rapid tongue) script and multi-facet performances making up for the lack of action. The confronting interplay was enough to wet my appetite, even if it might have been a contrived screenplay it manages to feel fresh and authentic. Intimate photography and the decision not use any sort of music score added to the organic atmosphere. Instead it favoured natural sounds of everyday life… from the train announcer's voice to the humming nightlife coming outside the train. The slow-burn, low-key approach grows on you and has you waiting around to see how it all ends up. What's great about it, was it sticks to reality and doesn't go for anything big.

Edge of your seat drama.

[sbcobba · 8/10 · 18 November 2008]

I got this movie out as a DVD recently, not knowing anything about it or the actors/director. My interest was due to the fact that it is set in Perth, where I'm from. It's a great small budget film in which all the action takes place on a train. The actors, especially the lead - the tall thug, are excellent and the script quite confronting, with snippets of humor throughout. The storyline is quite believable for anyone who's been even briefly annoyed with idiots/anti-social members of society acting-up on trains. My wife and I sat transfixed for the entire movie, which is pretty unusual. I certainly recommend this movie, although not if in the mood for a light, fluffy feel-good experience!

An excellent character driven film with a riveting performance

[zacoking · 8/10 · 15 July 2008]

This is a hidden gem of a film, one that I sadly missed at the theatre. Shot entirely in one carriage of a suburban train with only a few characters, it is almost entirely driven by crackling dialogue - no doubt both a legacy of the story's origin as stage play.

The stand out of the film is a tour de force performance by Steve Le Marquand as the 'tall thug'. His swaggering, menacing, compelling performance is captivating to watch. He is well supported by Gigi Edgely who pulls off a difficult role with panache. The storyline twists and turns, and they mostly pull off what could easily have descended into farce.

It's really all about Le Marquand though, who provides his character with megawatts of charisma, and it's remarkable that this spellbinding performance has not seen him picked up for starring roles in larger films.

All in all an excellent film, well worth watching.