Sometimes you watch a movie because you like the trailer, and then it leaves you underwhelmed and disappointed, because the only good bits were in that trailer. With 'Three Summers', it's quite the opposite. The trailer didn't tempt me at all, and I didn't intend to watch it. I accidentally left the TV on, whilst I was doing some chores, and by coincidence, when I re-entered the room, I happened to see a scene that made me laugh out loud. So I decided to give it a chance anyway, and started to watch from the beginning. I'm glad I did, because it's a delightful little gem of a film.
It's not pretentious or high-brow, but it's sharp and witty. It effectively takes the mickey out of identity culture, activists, boring middle aged couples who do exactly the same thing every year, posh music-snobs, security guards, feminists and yobs. At the same time it lovingly depicts families with teenagers noticeably growing up over three years time, whilst the adults are doing a bit of growing of their own. We learn a bit about Aboriginals, colonialism, the big child migration from the UK to Australia, and the inevitable modern day refugee crisis. Nothing new there, necessarily, but it does so in a very organic way that is lighthearted and yet poignant. It's brought back to the level of individual people, and that's always good if you want to understand one another a little better. It is a bit of a feelgood movie, but in the best possible way. And it's truly funny on so many different levels.
If you're looking for something to cheer you up, this might just hit the spot.
