🎬 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 (𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎)

High Ground (2020) is an Australian historical action film directed by Stephen Maxwell Johnson. Set in the early 20th century, the movie explores the conflict between Indigenous Australians and European settlers. The story follows Travis, a former soldier turned bounty hunter, who is haunted by a past massacre. When he is recruited to track down Baywara, an Indigenous warrior seeking revenge, he forms an uneasy alliance with Gutjuk, a young Aboriginal man with divided loyalties. As the hunt unfolds, the film delves into themes of colonial violence, justice, and identity.

The film opens with a tragic event in 1919, where a peaceful Indigenous community is brutally attacked by a group of colonial police. Travis, witnessing the massacre, becomes disillusioned and leaves law enforcement. Years later, he is called back to help capture Baywara, who has been fighting against colonial oppression. To do so, he enlists the help of Gutjuk, the sole survivor of the massacre, who has since been raised by missionaries. Their journey forces both men to confront painful truths and question their allegiances.

Simon Baker delivers a powerful performance as Travis, portraying a man struggling with his conscience in a morally complex world. Jacob Junior Nayinggul, in his film debut as Gutjuk, brings emotional depth to the role of a young man torn between two cultures. The film also features strong performances from Australian actors including Jack Thompson and Callan Mulvey. With a cast that includes many Indigenous performers, High Ground offers an authentic and compelling perspective on Australia’s colonial history.

Cinematography is one of the film’s greatest strengths, with stunning shots of the Australian outback capturing both its beauty and harshness. The vast landscapes serve as a backdrop for the unfolding drama, emphasizing the isolation and tension between the settlers and Indigenous people. The film avoids the traditional Western formula, instead focusing on realism and historical accuracy. By telling the story through Indigenous perspectives, High Ground offers a fresh and thought-provoking take on Australia’s past.

High Ground received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and social commentary. It was praised for its respectful and nuanced depiction of Indigenous culture, as well as its exploration of historical injustice. The film serves as both an intense action drama and an important reflection on Australia’s history of colonization. For viewers looking for a gripping story with deep themes and stunning visuals, High Ground is a must-watch.