500 Miles is an emotional Australian drama that captures the essence of what it feels like to be truly lost, and found again. The two lead characters created some beautiful moments in this film, and their emotions were often portrayed with just a look or a pause. As Emily and Shane's back stories slowly unfold, these moments became more profound as the film went on and there were a few lines spoken by the characters at the half way point that revealed their thoughts on life that took you outside of the plot, and into your own self as a human, and these were some of my favourite moments. The lead actors really embodied their characters without too many words, right from the moment they were first seen on screen.
18 Reviews
An edgy independent film
keeva-31-20519118 June 2014
500 Miles is a small independent film with a large dose of raw emotion. Up-and-coming actors Ebony Nave and Pete Valley bring the central characters of Emily and Shane to life through solid performances.
Emily's anger has been leading her down a dark path. She's experimenting with drugs, finding herself on the wrong side of the law, and eventually she is kicked out of high school.
Rather than return home to the foster family she's disappointed, Emily instead steals a car and hits the open road. As luck would have it, she breaks down near a small country town, where the kindly Shane takes pity on her. In Emily he sees a younger version of himself—he too has faced his fair share of challenges.
In this small town the people are genuine and friendly, piercing the emotional armour Emily has worn since the tragic events of her youth lead her down the wrong path. As her hardened façade begins to dissolve through the kindness of strangers, she finds herself exposed and has to choose between the anger she's held for years and the vulnerability that comes with letting people in once more.
The film has its flaws, but there are also many strong signs that point towards the emerging talent of the filmmakers. The cinematography richly captures the Queensland countryside, and the film deals with topics that are familiar for many, yet ignored by bigger productions.
It is refreshing to see an honest telling of how overwhelming and unforgiving grief can be when it's thrust upon you at a young age. No doubt it will resonate with many young people similarly afflicted.
In an age of high gloss teenage dramas, it's nice to find a film that is willing to tackle the challenges of broken youth, and to ponder the ability for kindness to turn a person's life around.
Emily's anger has been leading her down a dark path. She's experimenting with drugs, finding herself on the wrong side of the law, and eventually she is kicked out of high school.
Rather than return home to the foster family she's disappointed, Emily instead steals a car and hits the open road. As luck would have it, she breaks down near a small country town, where the kindly Shane takes pity on her. In Emily he sees a younger version of himself—he too has faced his fair share of challenges.
In this small town the people are genuine and friendly, piercing the emotional armour Emily has worn since the tragic events of her youth lead her down the wrong path. As her hardened façade begins to dissolve through the kindness of strangers, she finds herself exposed and has to choose between the anger she's held for years and the vulnerability that comes with letting people in once more.
The film has its flaws, but there are also many strong signs that point towards the emerging talent of the filmmakers. The cinematography richly captures the Queensland countryside, and the film deals with topics that are familiar for many, yet ignored by bigger productions.
It is refreshing to see an honest telling of how overwhelming and unforgiving grief can be when it's thrust upon you at a young age. No doubt it will resonate with many young people similarly afflicted.
In an age of high gloss teenage dramas, it's nice to find a film that is willing to tackle the challenges of broken youth, and to ponder the ability for kindness to turn a person's life around.
Because i'm feeling generous
markedcollins27 January 2015
Why don't I think this film is worth even an average score? Poor sound quality, an intrusive soundtrack, wooden performances from all involved, and a script that couldn't make me care about a person who was meant to be at the very lowest point in their life.
Whilst there was the potential for a good plot, the reality was that I spent the entire time distracted by the poor production values and the weak characterisations. I felt no sympathy and no anger for the main characters plight and didn't care whether she overcame her problems.
I had high expectations given the overall score here but I wouldn't recommend this film in any circumstances.
Whilst there was the potential for a good plot, the reality was that I spent the entire time distracted by the poor production values and the weak characterisations. I felt no sympathy and no anger for the main characters plight and didn't care whether she overcame her problems.
I had high expectations given the overall score here but I wouldn't recommend this film in any circumstances.
Down to Earth Aussie Movie
groovyally_276 October 2014
When someone says to me, lets go watch a movie, my immediate reaction is: OK, who's in it, what's it about, and who directed it? In the era where movies have a seemingly limitless budget, oozing with incredible c.g.i and actors so well primped and preened they look like they just stepped out of a Mattel factory, it is also rare for these said movies to have a storyline longer than four sentences, that isn't adapted from a previously made 90's movie, a book, or a superhero comic.
Although 500 miles is not a Hollywood blockbuster, it is definitely this - an honest reflection of Australian culture, a solid, well thought out story that is well portrayed, plotted and directed, and characters that many of us would either relate to, or want to hug.
It's not a big budget, and like every film, it has elements that weren't perfect, but overall, this had my full attention from start to finish. I am excited to see what else is in store from this production team in the future, if this is only the beginning.
Although 500 miles is not a Hollywood blockbuster, it is definitely this - an honest reflection of Australian culture, a solid, well thought out story that is well portrayed, plotted and directed, and characters that many of us would either relate to, or want to hug.
It's not a big budget, and like every film, it has elements that weren't perfect, but overall, this had my full attention from start to finish. I am excited to see what else is in store from this production team in the future, if this is only the beginning.
A story told well.
aynenmakino8 June 2014
There are quite a few movies out there about troubled youth, some more accurate than others. This one is exceptionally accurate. The story follows Emily, a girl who is forced to deal with things she doesn't know how to deal with emotionally, who meets the wrong people at the wrong time and ends up being very disconnected from the world around her. Rather than following her 'fall from grace' like many other movies have done, this movie skips ahead to a later stage in the life of one who got lost. She's at the point where her life has already fallen apart and she decides to just run away from it all. This allows the story to deal at length with finding her way back, rather than hastily going over that part of the process.
From a very early point in the movie onward, the strongest aspect of the movie becomes crystal clear: The director and the female lead are masterful at breathing life into a character who is terribly out of place in the world, who lost her ability to re-connect with it, and any of the happiness it could have brought her. You can SEE the inner dialogue going on inside the mind of Emily, written on her face. You can see how the appearance of this girl doesn't fit with the people around her, and how neither she nor those people, know what to do about it. That is, until she meets the male lead, who acts differently from the other people in her life. To it's credit, the story leaves it open for a good while why he's willing to help her. This puts the viewer in the same position as Emily, not knowing if he's helping her, or just trying to hit on her, or something else. And even though he seems happy-go-lucky, that just makes it harder for Emily to connect with him, because she is anything but happy-go-lucky.
I won't give away how things pan out, but I can tell you that the story doesn't pull it's punches. It will play a little with the standard story telling structure to play with your expectations near the end, which is a most welcome thing in a time when a lot of writers follow the standard story formulas religiously. The weak point of the movie is, in fact, the one time where I feel the story was indeed trying to follow standard story telling structure regardless of what that would mean for the realism of the characters. I don't want to give away what happens, but odds are you'll recognize it when you see it.
Showing how hard it is to allow positivity back into a negative life is very difficult to pull off because most of that happens in someone's thoughts and feelings. The directing, and acting of the female lead does this extremely well. That alone is enough to make this movie good. It allows the story to be told well in spite of a relatively low budget. If a movie can make you not too concerned with things like lower quality sound because it tells it's story well, someone is doing something right.
Keep a close eye on the future efforts of the lead actress, Ebony Nave. She has what it takes.
From a very early point in the movie onward, the strongest aspect of the movie becomes crystal clear: The director and the female lead are masterful at breathing life into a character who is terribly out of place in the world, who lost her ability to re-connect with it, and any of the happiness it could have brought her. You can SEE the inner dialogue going on inside the mind of Emily, written on her face. You can see how the appearance of this girl doesn't fit with the people around her, and how neither she nor those people, know what to do about it. That is, until she meets the male lead, who acts differently from the other people in her life. To it's credit, the story leaves it open for a good while why he's willing to help her. This puts the viewer in the same position as Emily, not knowing if he's helping her, or just trying to hit on her, or something else. And even though he seems happy-go-lucky, that just makes it harder for Emily to connect with him, because she is anything but happy-go-lucky.
I won't give away how things pan out, but I can tell you that the story doesn't pull it's punches. It will play a little with the standard story telling structure to play with your expectations near the end, which is a most welcome thing in a time when a lot of writers follow the standard story formulas religiously. The weak point of the movie is, in fact, the one time where I feel the story was indeed trying to follow standard story telling structure regardless of what that would mean for the realism of the characters. I don't want to give away what happens, but odds are you'll recognize it when you see it.
Showing how hard it is to allow positivity back into a negative life is very difficult to pull off because most of that happens in someone's thoughts and feelings. The directing, and acting of the female lead does this extremely well. That alone is enough to make this movie good. It allows the story to be told well in spite of a relatively low budget. If a movie can make you not too concerned with things like lower quality sound because it tells it's story well, someone is doing something right.
Keep a close eye on the future efforts of the lead actress, Ebony Nave. She has what it takes.
Deep, shockingly raw, heart breaking, heart warming and funny
jennyben-904-36715822 January 2014
I feel a little biased, writing this review. Being a long-time friend of writer, Terrance M. Young, I've had the privilege of watching him grow as a director and writer. Film after film has taught him valuable lessons which he's taken on board with his next projects.
I always go in, not knowing what to expect, but with the knowledge of his prior work. I always find myself surprised with the result. Every time. The quality, the audio, the camera shots and angles, montages and story lines, all seem dramatically improved from his past works. It's wonderful to see.
Other than my connection with Terrance, I knew relatively nothing about the film and again, didn't know what to expect when the lights went down.
500 Miles was brilliant.
It was deep, shockingly raw, heart breaking, heart warming and funny.
Shane's character felt like home. He was someone who I feel like I've known for years and years. I just loved everything about him.
Emily had me frustrated. I had a love:hate relationship with her. I got so frustrated at her stubbornness and refusal to open up. She really was a very very hard egg to crack, and in turn, it made it very hard for me to connect with her until much later in the film. But, as the movie progressed, you find out what DID happen to her, to make her the way she was. What I did like, was that she began to open up and (without giving anything away) she got hurt again, and completely shut off, and returned to the character we saw at the start. Shut off, angry, stubborn and she runs again.
Michelle's character seemed a little 2D. She seemed awkward and had little confidence. Her character could have been far more genuine, and we could have connected with her more. Instead of being a warm, bubbly, friendly country girl, I'm sad to say that I saw her more as bitchy and jealous and I really don't think that that's how she was meant to come across.
I really loved that the movie was filmed in and around Brisbane. The country towns were awesome.
Overall, 500 Miles was a wonderful Australian film.
My husband isn't a move buff AT ALL. He went into the movie not knowing what to expect at all and even he loved it. He said he was on edge for the majority of the movie. He has an annoying habit of predicting exactly what would happen in a movie and then nodding off to sleep. He was really surprised that this movie kept him guessing what would happen the entire way.
Well done, again and again on a wonderful Australian Indie film. Bring on the festivals. I really think that this movie has the potential to go far, and the story is captivating and keeps you on the edge of your seat, unable to guess what would happen next.
I always go in, not knowing what to expect, but with the knowledge of his prior work. I always find myself surprised with the result. Every time. The quality, the audio, the camera shots and angles, montages and story lines, all seem dramatically improved from his past works. It's wonderful to see.
Other than my connection with Terrance, I knew relatively nothing about the film and again, didn't know what to expect when the lights went down.
500 Miles was brilliant.
It was deep, shockingly raw, heart breaking, heart warming and funny.
Shane's character felt like home. He was someone who I feel like I've known for years and years. I just loved everything about him.
Emily had me frustrated. I had a love:hate relationship with her. I got so frustrated at her stubbornness and refusal to open up. She really was a very very hard egg to crack, and in turn, it made it very hard for me to connect with her until much later in the film. But, as the movie progressed, you find out what DID happen to her, to make her the way she was. What I did like, was that she began to open up and (without giving anything away) she got hurt again, and completely shut off, and returned to the character we saw at the start. Shut off, angry, stubborn and she runs again.
Michelle's character seemed a little 2D. She seemed awkward and had little confidence. Her character could have been far more genuine, and we could have connected with her more. Instead of being a warm, bubbly, friendly country girl, I'm sad to say that I saw her more as bitchy and jealous and I really don't think that that's how she was meant to come across.
I really loved that the movie was filmed in and around Brisbane. The country towns were awesome.
Overall, 500 Miles was a wonderful Australian film.
My husband isn't a move buff AT ALL. He went into the movie not knowing what to expect at all and even he loved it. He said he was on edge for the majority of the movie. He has an annoying habit of predicting exactly what would happen in a movie and then nodding off to sleep. He was really surprised that this movie kept him guessing what would happen the entire way.
Well done, again and again on a wonderful Australian Indie film. Bring on the festivals. I really think that this movie has the potential to go far, and the story is captivating and keeps you on the edge of your seat, unable to guess what would happen next.
great local movie
nancyoutten21 September 2014
great movie with lots of local scenes that many of us could relate too and enjoy. all cast did a great job, Ebony in particular stood out she is a wonderful talent with a very bright future ahead of her. The movie made me laugh (loved the scene where she locked herself out of the car) but also made me cry as well done to everyone involved in the production its great to see Aussie talent shine so bright cant wait to buy on DVD look forward to seeing all the actors in other movies in the future. Thankyou for putting Rosewood on the map and in your movie its a great little town. all the best for the future and please continue doing what you are doing, brilliant job
Great Movie from an up and coming group
gary-107-75486814 September 2014
I had the pleasure to attend the Sydney Premiere of 500 Miles. I had not seen the trailer and went in with a completely open mind.
The result is outstanding. Sure there are a few minor glitches, but given the relative newcomers, the experience was very pleasant indeed.
The story line is well thought out, and there is a steady flow throughout the film.
Highly recommended for everyone to watch and see a true blue Aussie film (although I wonder way they all drink VB and not XXXX ?) My high commendation to Matt Young and Ashlee Jenson and the whole Mad Anth'm team
The result is outstanding. Sure there are a few minor glitches, but given the relative newcomers, the experience was very pleasant indeed.
The story line is well thought out, and there is a steady flow throughout the film.
Highly recommended for everyone to watch and see a true blue Aussie film (although I wonder way they all drink VB and not XXXX ?) My high commendation to Matt Young and Ashlee Jenson and the whole Mad Anth'm team
Brilliant Aussie Film
JulieDickson9 November 2014
Congratulations to the entire cast and crew! I attended the Melbourne Screening last night and have to say that 500 Miles would have to be one of the best Independent Films I have seen in a long time. Captivating Story, Brilliant Acting and all round great film making.
I honestly walked out of the cinema without being able to fault it and I am sure this was due to being so drawn into the story and the characters.
If you haven't seen 500 Miles yet then I urge you to attend a screening or purchase a copy. It is a film that almost anyone can relate to in one way or another.
I look forward to seeing more great Australian films like this in the future 10/10.
I honestly walked out of the cinema without being able to fault it and I am sure this was due to being so drawn into the story and the characters.
If you haven't seen 500 Miles yet then I urge you to attend a screening or purchase a copy. It is a film that almost anyone can relate to in one way or another.
I look forward to seeing more great Australian films like this in the future 10/10.
A beautifully crafted film
sarahdinsey14 May 2014
I went into this film with high expectations after viewing the trailer online and it did not disappoint. There are not enough words in the English language to explain just how much I enjoyed this film.
500 Miles is warm and engaging, charming and heartbreaking all at the same time. The acting is lovely, the lighting is stunning and the soundtrack is divine.
I really connected with these characters and that feeling of being so lost that you're not sure if you can ever be found again.
There are some wonderful tender moments between the two leads and their stories kept me intrigued from the first scene to the very last.
I can't wait to watch it again. Well done to everyone involved!
500 Miles is warm and engaging, charming and heartbreaking all at the same time. The acting is lovely, the lighting is stunning and the soundtrack is divine.
I really connected with these characters and that feeling of being so lost that you're not sure if you can ever be found again.
There are some wonderful tender moments between the two leads and their stories kept me intrigued from the first scene to the very last.
I can't wait to watch it again. Well done to everyone involved!
A raw, gripping independent movie that shows great promise
amanda-252-93768814 September 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I have to start by saying, though I am an Aussie, I hate Aussie films. I also have to say that I hate romance movies. I assumed I would come out hating this film. Oh how wrong I was.
500 Miles is a cathartic journey for Emily - a journey where rock bottom is only one stop along her out of control roller coaster ride in rural Queensland.
The film features an excellent ensemble cast of newcomers to Australian cinema that I look forward to seeing more from, but Ebony Nave who plays Emily was the stand out. She takes you on Emily's harrowing journey, you are there with her, wanting to help her, wanting to love her. She has a maturity and a darkness - a tortured soul - that makes the character believable and broken.
The scenery of rural Australia is breathtaking and adds to the film's rawness as Emily's journey is juxtaposed with the isolation and desolation of outback Australia. The soundtrack also adds to the film's beauty and yes the song 500 Miles does make an appearance.
I am happy to admit that this film has changed my mind on Australian film. Well done to the team who made this!
500 Miles is a cathartic journey for Emily - a journey where rock bottom is only one stop along her out of control roller coaster ride in rural Queensland.
The film features an excellent ensemble cast of newcomers to Australian cinema that I look forward to seeing more from, but Ebony Nave who plays Emily was the stand out. She takes you on Emily's harrowing journey, you are there with her, wanting to help her, wanting to love her. She has a maturity and a darkness - a tortured soul - that makes the character believable and broken.
The scenery of rural Australia is breathtaking and adds to the film's rawness as Emily's journey is juxtaposed with the isolation and desolation of outback Australia. The soundtrack also adds to the film's beauty and yes the song 500 Miles does make an appearance.
I am happy to admit that this film has changed my mind on Australian film. Well done to the team who made this!
My review of the film 500 Miles after watching it today at the Limelight Cinema's in Ipswich Qld Australia
kezza61821 September 2014
WOW! this movie is FAN-BLOODY-TASTIC!!!
ANOTHER GREAT Aussie MOVIE!
What an emotional ride I was on whilst sitting there watching this film unfold before me.
The story line was easy to follow, watching Emily's young life go through; what she did throughout this movie was VERY emotional, even had tears in my eyes in one section of this movie, not going to say where, don't want to spoil it for those who haven't watched it yet.
I never get lost with the 'throw back in time' during it either, not like some other movies, where you got no idea where the hell its going etc.
The music was also fantastic!
Congrats everyone who was involved with the making of this film, you ALL deserve a MASSIVE round of applause!! ...well done!
ANOTHER GREAT Aussie MOVIE!
What an emotional ride I was on whilst sitting there watching this film unfold before me.
The story line was easy to follow, watching Emily's young life go through; what she did throughout this movie was VERY emotional, even had tears in my eyes in one section of this movie, not going to say where, don't want to spoil it for those who haven't watched it yet.
I never get lost with the 'throw back in time' during it either, not like some other movies, where you got no idea where the hell its going etc.
The music was also fantastic!
Congrats everyone who was involved with the making of this film, you ALL deserve a MASSIVE round of applause!! ...well done!
true catharsis of emotions
laughingdog-93-9438231 September 2014
What a great film. True catharsis of emotions. I was shocked by the reality of what happens. Sad about the helplessness and resignation that followed certain events. Lastly touched by a transformation of an emotionally disturbed teenager into a loving and caring human being. All thanks to friendship of a beautiful man willing just to be there for another, in particular for her. Without asking any questions he stood for what he believed was possible to her. "500 miles" is an amazing story that can inspire many to the possibility of reformation. I highly enjoyed watching the movie and being in the story. I was drawn from one to another episode and while fully engaged in the action, I experienced the pain, the sorrow, the sincere apology at the end... Well done to the whole crew - you guys did a fantastic job for this production. I can't wait your next movie!
A must see film!
careaaen27 August 2014
I just wanted to express how impressed I was with this film. It sent such a strong heartfelt message out and I found it hard not to feel close to the characters as if i knew them personally. I fully recommend it for anyone young or old and as a fellow Australian I am very proud of the talent we are producing in our amazing independent films. There should be more films like this out there! It was great to see local towns and businesses throughout the film that showcase our great country! Thank you to all of the cast and crew for sharing this with us and for bringing us along for the ride in viewing this film! Special mention to Ebony & Pete! You should definitely have happy pants on right now!
Brilliant lead actors, brilliant script!
phoebejsc27 January 2015
Rented on Bigpond online. GREAT movie! Loved it, loved it, loved it. Can tell it's low budget production, but it's more impressive for it! Great script, acting, sets, loved it! Reminded me of my own angst ridden teenage years, could really relate to it (although I don't think I was quite as bad, and sadly I didn't have a sexy boy to help me out ha ha!). There was a risk this movie could be sappy or cheesy, but it was neither. Realistic and believable, but not boring, a great story. Gritty and real but not depressing. Just awesome! Emily is the girl that the world seemingly forgot about. Lost on the opposite side of the tracks, it isn't until she becomes stranded in the middle of nowhere that she finally begins to discover a path to her own redemption. http://www.500milesfilm.com
I so enjoyed this film. Raw, emotional and heart warming.
em-7606914 March 2015
I found this home grown film to be utterly captivating.
Absolutely loved the setting and felt it was wonderfully written and produced.
Actor Pete Valley had me in the palm of his hand his performance was emotional, fun and endearing.
The emotive content peppered with refreshing bouts of cheeky humour - lines such as "pat the dog" had me grinning like an idiot and then I'd feel myself grounded with heartfelt emotion as the individual stories of the two main characters continued to unfold.
Looking forward to seeing more from these talented actors and the entire creative team.
Absolutely loved the setting and felt it was wonderfully written and produced.
Actor Pete Valley had me in the palm of his hand his performance was emotional, fun and endearing.
The emotive content peppered with refreshing bouts of cheeky humour - lines such as "pat the dog" had me grinning like an idiot and then I'd feel myself grounded with heartfelt emotion as the individual stories of the two main characters continued to unfold.
Looking forward to seeing more from these talented actors and the entire creative team.
A solid Australian drama
RobLazovic25 February 2015
This is a well written, directed and produced Aussie film worthy of accolades. The story, written by Jennifer Coghlan and Terrance M. Young, take us on an inspiring journey of a troubled teenage girl living in today's modern and somewhat confusing times, which then takes a turn in her life for the better. We empathize with her whilst she takes to road to self discovery, along the way she meets people who each have their effect on her emotional growth. I highly recommend this film. On the technical aspects, it was very well produced - superb and natural acting by Ebony Nave as Emily and Pete Valley as Shane, carry the story of two souls from worlds apart as they intersect. Supported by beautiful cinematography by Patrick L. Coe and Matthew E. Taylor, this film is as visually beautiful as the story is.
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