AS the WA film industry grows, we will probably get used to seeing our city streets used as colourful settings.
But at this point, it still comes as a pleasant surprise to see Croke Street, Fremantle (right around the corner from the Voice’s head office) up on the big screen in Kid Snow.
Set in 1971, the movie’s premise is of a down-on-his-luck Irish boxer caught in a conflictual relationship with his brother, who gets one last shot at redemption when he finally lands the big fight of his career.
But his lucky break arrives just as he encounters a woman who lights up his life.
Compelling
While that may sound like a tired formula, it is to the credit of all involved in this project that they manage to steer clear of the cliches and deliver a compelling story.
The film’s director, Paul King, told the Voice he was attracted to the project because of the toxic relationship between the two lead male roles.
“Many of my films have examined how men hurt themselves and each other,” he said.
The narrative revolves around a touring tent-boxing troupe into which strays a woman escaping domestic violence, who joins it as an exotic dancer.
There is plenty of room for emotionally wounded men, women and children to miscommunicate and slowly work their way towards understanding.
The audience is left to decide on whether they actually reach maturity.
The camera gets close to the boxing ring action and also to the outback locations around the Kalgoorlie/Boulder area.
“I wanted the audience to feel the dust and smell the blood and sweat,” King said.
While delivering on those visuals and being centred on both gendered violence and the exploitative male gaze, Kid Snow avoids both violence-porn and sexist objectification.
King told the Voice that after showings in the eastern states he had encountered men leaving the cinema in tears.
Kid Snow certainly lands a punch.
Kid Snow
Palace Cinemas Raine Square
Until Wednesday September 18
Tix: palacecinemas.com.au/movies/kids-snow
by BARRY HEALY
Perth Voice Interactive 
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