Bran Nue Dae

 Much of Bran Nue Dae is a road movie: a journey through a landscape of learning experiences that signify a changing perspective.

Make notes on Willie’s emotional, spiritual and educational journey, which begins and ends in Broome.

Willie’s emotional journey	Willie’s spiritual journey	Willie’s educational journey
·       Nervous at home ·       Respectful of mother ·       Rejected in city ·       Needs to fit in but follow rules ·       He reflects on his pride in being Aboriginal	·       Dreams of his ancestors looking after him ·	·       Racistly insulted by Father Benedictus when he says, “ I should’ve known it would be one of you aborigines” Goes to strict boys’ boarding school ·       Learning to be a priest ·       He values his education to start with ·       He realises education from a racist person probably isn’t worth it ·       He realises other things may be more important than education

Has Willie changed?

Yes, Willie has changed emotionally and mentally.

What has he discovered and learned?

He has discovered what he really wants in life is not to be a priest but to stay in Broome with his family and friends. He also learnt more about himself and that life is not as easy as it seems.

Examine the role and the effect on Willie of Uncle Tadpole as father figure, protector, mentor and guide.

The role and effect on Willie of Uncle Tadpole has impacted him significantly. Although at times Uncle Tadpole but seem unreliable and untrustworthy, it was because of Uncle Tadpole’s guidance and support that kept Willie motivated and helped him get back up on his feet whenever he has given up his quest on returning to Broome.

Compare and contrast the role of Father Benedictus with that of Uncle Tadpole. Who is the more effective?

Both Father Benedictus and Uncle Tadpole are the fathers of Willie. However their personalities are very different. Father Benedictus is very strict and stern whilst Uncle Tadpole enjoys rebellion and having fun. Uncle Tadpole is more effective as he expresses more emotions and empathises more with Willie than Father Benedictus.

Comment on Willie’s sense of self-identity at the film’s conclusion.

Willie self-identity was ambiguous at the beginning of the movie but he has found himself by the end of the film, realising that he had more potential that he thought.

Is it different from the way he views himself early in the film?

Yes, it is very different from the way he views himself early in the film as had low self-confidence and struggled to fit within the community. In the end, he develops his own voice and isn’t afraid to be judged by other people anymore, including his own mother.

Do other characters view him differently?

Other characters misjudge who Willie is at the beginning of the movie. However they begin to understand more about him towards the end of the movie and realises how Willie actually has a lot of potential and has his own dreams to follow. He is stronger than what the other characters first assumed.

What does the movie say to the viewer about the idea of journey?

The movie says to the viewer about the idea of journey that as long as you keep on going, you will not fail and you will get there in the end. In other words, the message to the audience is to never give up and you will reach your goal as long as your keep on trying.