"The corporeal manifestation of socio-ethnic politics is one of the director's many visual tools rather than his primary editorial goal." - Joseph Jon Lanthier

A stunning story of love, betrayal and redemption, as well as a hard-hitting depiction of the poverty, abuse and exclusion many aboriginal people have no choice but to live with. Thornton's direction is stunning and reminds us how powerful cinema can be without even needing to resort to dialogue. The mere presence of the camera was enough to generate sympathy for the characters without ever being used in a manipulative or mawkish way. The performances were spot-on too. Australian cinema FTW!

A really terrifically made Australian film about not so much racism, but the cultural differences and awkwardness between white Australians and the native Aboriginals, an important issue especially as of now. The ending was too long though and really felt like empty space compared to all that had happened before.

A heart rendering, earnest and honest depiction of wretched suffering, wasted spirit and tainted love

What a debut for Warwick Thornton! A slow-paced drama exploring deep into the lives of two teenagers. Showing completely different way of communication between people...words are just useless. The film is filled entirely with desperation, great cinematography, and brilliant acting. Three elements that surely guarantees success.The subtle tone of hope given in the end by Warwick was accurately placed. It's totally my fav of '09.

The first two thirds are bleak yet compelling, but it's like they had no idea how to end the film. Also, the 'Delilah' character is very underwritten and we never really feel that we know her.

A social commentary that strives not to sacrifice the art. Whereas most movies that reduce dialogue to a bare minimum end up either communicating very little, or else as commentary on the absence of communication, this film works harder to create a sense of non-verbal communication between the protagonists, and expresses to the audience something of the play of communication and non-communication, significance and insignificance, that characterizes the lives and milieu of the characters.

Everything in "Samson and Delilah" is about rhythm. It's deliberately slow and somewhat recursive in dealing with urban life versus rural life, simplicity versus complexity and similar themes. I do, however, suspect that this indeed Thornton's goal: To portray the beauty and simplicity in everyday life. It's a simple morale wrapped in gorgeous photography, natural performances and a somewhat free-flowing form of storytelling. It's like a series of snapshots. Refreshingly restrained.

Fucking fantastic, and it's kind of a shame more Australians haven't seen/heard of it.