Picnic at Hanging Rock

The movie has an absolutely amazing first act that does a great job of building to the "big" moment of the film, but after it hits its high note the movie becomes much less engaging. The problem is not the lack of a resolution, I think the issue is that the story follows threads that I don't think are so engaging while not paying more time to the things that would be. Ultimately, much like the characters in the film, once Miranda goes, you kind of wish she'd come back.

Preface this by saying I watched a terrible transfer of the film so score may increase on viewing a better version. The potential for a great film is here as evident in those eerie moments of Victoriana and paganism combined with music - perhaps the best aspect of the film - that is refined and suitably elemental. However, these moments are too few mainly due to the generally underwhelming acting on display (Jarret and Weaver are the exception). The final shot is superbly ethereal.

Absolutely freaky stuff.

Cinematographer shows mastery over his craft. Costume design is also done pretty well. The girls look .. well young and beautiful. Acting is good. Music except for some parts is good. Overall well made cinema that along with the subject matter will grab your attention. I dont expect this to stay in my memory for a long time - but some images & symbolism surely will. Subliminal & almost repressive eroticism. It gets you thinking things without actually showing much. Just with camera and dialogs.

Beautiful, and very smart use of music and period setting

Despite occasionally having the aesthetic of a Timotei advert, this is mostly a beautiful, subtle, strange film. I take it to be about change and transitions - from the Old World (Britain) to the New (Australia), the Victorian era to the Edwardian, 'civilisation' to nature (and back again), childhood to adulthood (and hence sexuality), and, ultimately, life to death.

"What we see and what we seem are but a dream, a dream within a dream."

Very strange movie. Music and acting are both rather good. It also has some catchy phrases, but I wouldn't call it "great". The action is rather sleepy. In general, one of those movies which are supposed to make a man wonder and feel and not wait in excitement for the conclusion of events.

Ethereal and disquieting.

Mystical, dreamlike horror film which poses no easy answers. A rewarding entry for those who like their thrillers done with a subtle hand.

There is something eerily beautiful about films that detail the exploits of Australia's first settlers with the harsh wonderment of its landscape (Proposition, Van Diemen's land) and this is possibly the best of the bunch. The magnificent, grandiose soundtrack is one of the key players here, it threatens to be overbearing but somehow works. A magical dream of a movie.