Review: Two Hands (1999)
By Luke Buckmaster on Aug 3, 1999 in Reviews
Two Hands is a fresh, lively and left-of-centre crime film. Debut writer/director Gregor Jordan finds a pulsating energy in his production elements. Ranging from the cast’s diverse appeal to the film’s bright cinematography, it’s clear that this one is out to impress - and impress it does. Two Hands is a breath of fresh air for the Australian film industry; a fun adrenaline rush that will linger in your memory for some time.
Heath Ledger plays Jimmy, who works in Kings Cross, Sydney, as a street promoter for a strip club. Hoping to improve his salary and his work, Jimmy accepts a job from neighborhood goon Pando (Bryan Brown). He’s given $10,000 in an envelope and an address to deliver it to but, as the plot unfolds, the job goes drastically wrong and Jimmy is chased all over town by Pando and his goons. Still, he makes sure that he has enough time to pursue love-interest Kate (Rose Byrne), a friendly art student who enjoys taking photos. Also involved in the story are two homeless kids - played by Mariel McClorey and Evan Sheaves - who have small but integral parts and serve as tools to question the audience’s morality.
Two Hands is a bold drama wrapped around a comedic lesson of morals, wrapped around a simple, even slightly messy thriller. Gregor Jordan captivates his audience time and time again, reaching a mixed bag of amusing gags and zappy action.
Heath Ledger struts his stuff so confidently as the title character that there is absolutely no doubt that we will be seeing him again in the future (in fact, in his next film, he plays Mel Gibson’s son). I’m not sure whether he channeled that energy into a great performance - though it’s certainly an entertaining one. Bryan Brown also fares very well as the married, and quite amusing tough guy Pando. Others are slightly less impressive, like Rose Byrne, who is solid but her part is considerably underdeveloped, probably as a result of the film’s ninety-two minute running time.
Two Hands is a likeable film that may not be original enough to become a cult classic, but it’s a damn good time at the movies.
Review by Luke Buckmaster
Cast: Heath Ledger, Rose Byrne, Bryan Brown, David Field, Susie Porter, Tom Long, Tony Forrow
Director: Gregor Jordan
Screenplay: Gregor Jordan
Australian theatrical release: July 29, 1999
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Who played Michael, Jimmie’s dead brother??
Nita Corliss | Aug 1, 2009 | Reply
That would be Steven Vidler.
Chloe W | Aug 24, 2009 | Reply
I’m searching for a quote said by Jimmy’s uncle Micheal. It’s not the one about the ying and yang tattoo or someone going through the same thing as you. Do you know which one I mean?
milly white | Apr 15, 2010 | Reply
If you’ve been through some sort of shit in your life, chances are someone else has been through the same type of crap as well and they’ve written about it. Some poet or philosopher and you think to yourself… Bloody hell! This bastard’s just summed it all up!
Brent | Jul 15, 2010 | Reply