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Poster for Ten Canoes

Ten Canoes

Ten canoes, three wives, one hundred and fifty spears...trouble

2006 · 1h 30m · Unrated Adventure, Comedy, Drama
Directed by Rolf de Heer , Peter Djigirr

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Overview

A story within a story within a story. In Australia's Northern Territory, an Aboriginal narrator tells a story about his ancestors on a goose hunt. A youngster on the hunt is being tempted to adultery with his elder brother's wife, so an elder tells him a story from the mythical past about how evil can slip in and cause havoc unless prevented by virtue according to customary tribal law.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
98%
Tomatometer
Fresh

Sometimes all it takes to bridge the chasm of eons is a little humor.

Desson Thomson, Washington Post
Fresh

Gulpilil is the canny, subtle and funny narrator of 10 Canoes, a film of unutterable beauty, hypnotic fascination and universal humanity.

Richard Nilsen, Arizona Republic
Fresh

Parts of that narrative are surprisingly frank and irreverent.

John Hartl, Seattle Times
Fresh

It's worth putting up with the meandering story to see the aboriginal world shown from a fresh perspective.

Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune
Fresh

Audacious and impressive, but challenging work, requiring steadfast concentration.

Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times

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