I recall seeing this film some time ago and really enjoying it, so I decided recently to rent the DVD to see if my opinion still held up. And it did. The movie is a darkly humorous look at Sydney's King’s Cross area—a place known for prostitution, drug use, and adult shops—and centers on "Jimmy," portrayed by Heath Ledger. Jimmy is a young man, likely in his late teens, who has had a difficult upbringing and exists on the fringes of society. He works as an “encourager” for a sex club, essentially persuading people to enter. His goal is to get noticed by "Pando," a powerful figure in the Cross, hoping it will be a shortcut to improving his social standing. One night Jimmy meets Alex (played by Rose Byrne), and you can tell that their relationship will develop into a romance. That same evening, Pando (played by Bryan Brown) contacts Jimmy with an offer of work—the very opportunity he's been waiting for! I won’t reveal any more because the film has many unexpected turns in store. If you appreciate movies from Quentin Tarantino or Guy Ritchie, this one should appeal to you, given its twists and dark humor. What makes this movie so good is how distinctly Australian it feels. It isn't simply imitating those other filmmakers; it’s a genuine contribution to the genre from Australia. A particularly interesting thing about the film is how everything ultimately connects. You might encounter characters whose purpose seems unclear at first, but eventually all these seemingly disconnected elements come together in a satisfying way—it’s almost like watching a visual representation of a Moebius strip. Bryan Brown's portrayal of Pando stands out; he enjoys playing games and puzzles with his associates, and the small details about his personality – like his taste in music – are quite entertaining to observe. Of all the Heath Ledger movies I’ve seen—including *The Dark Knight* and *10 Things I Hate About You*—this is possibly his finest performance. I wasn't particularly impressed with *10 Things*. If you're a fan of Ledger (who tragically died in an accident), this offers a chance to see him at his best in an Australian film. There’s also great chemistry between Ledger and Byrne, so it works well as a love story on one level. While it doesn’t have the same level of violence found in Tarantino or Ritchie's crime films, it does deal with mature themes—moments that are surprisingly beautiful and unsettling. As such, it might not be suitable for very young viewers, but those seeking graphic horror won't find what they're looking for either. I’m glad to see Australia producing quality movies like this. Often, Australian films can feel a bit off-putting, but this one excels where many others fall short: it has a compelling story, strong acting, and a well-written script. We need more popular, high-quality films made here in Australia. I highly recommend it. Other Australian movies I've enjoyed include *Breaker Morant*, *Mad Max 2*, *My Brilliant Career*, *Proof*, *The Devil’s Playground*, *The Year My Voice Broke*, *Bad Boy Bubby*, and *The Dish*.

Source on TMDB