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Poster for Ten Canoes

Ten Canoes

Seen it?

2006 | 90 min | Adventure, Comedy, Drama

Saturday Specialearly rating

Why it’s a Saturday Special

Critics loved it (98% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite almost no lasting buzz. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who wants a laugh and adventure fans. If you loved Walkabout or Deliverance, start here.
The mood
Funny with heart.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 30 min.
What might put you off
Nothing much for most grown-ups.

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.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    98% on Rotten Tomatoes, 82 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsBelow par

    6 wins and 2 nominations from smaller awards and festivals

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $3 million worldwide on a $2 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 15K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Rolf de Heer, Peter Djigirr

  • Crusoe KurddalRidjimiraril
  • Jamie GulpililDayindi / Yeeralparil
  • Richard BirrinbirrinBirrinbirrin
  • David GulpililThe Storyteller
  • Peter Minygululu Minygululu
  • Frances DjulibingNowalingu
  • Sonia DjarrabalminymBanalandju
  • Cassandra Malangarri BakerMunandjarra
  • Philip GudthaykudthayThe Sorcerer
  • Peter DjigirrCanoeist/The Victim/Warrior