The Last Wave (1977)

6.9PG110 minDirector: Peter Weir

1977 film by Peter Weir

The Last Wave (also released in the United States as Black Rain) is a 1977 Australian mystery drama film directed and co-written by Peter Weir, starring Richard Chamberlain, Olivia Hamnett and David Gulpilil (billed as “Gulpilil”). It is about a white solicitor in Sydney whose seemingly normal life is disrupted after he takes on a murder case and discovers that he shares a strange, mystical connection with the small group of local Aboriginal people accused of the crime.

Released by United Artists on December 13, 1977, it received positive reviews from critics and was nominated for seven AFI Awards, including Best Direction, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Actor for Chamberlain. It is considered one of the major works of the Australian New Wave.

Plot summary adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

FAQ

What is The Last Wave about?
The Last Wave (1977) — A Sydney lawyer has more to worry about than higher-than-average rainfall when he is called upon to defend five Aboriginals in court. Determined to break their silence and discover the truth behind the hidden society he suspects lives in his city, the Lawyer is drawn further, and
Is The Last Wave based on a true story?
See the production background and source material details on the official Wikipedia article.
Is The Last Wave scary?
Content rating: PG. See the reviews tab for parental guidance and tone notes.