My Brilliant Career

1979
G
1h 40m

IMDb RATING

7.1/10

YOUR RATING

A young independent woman who lives with her grandmother and aunt in the countryside rebels against being pressured into marriage and chooses to solely focus on having a career as a writer. Nevertheless, two suitors propose to her.

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Period Drama Biography Drama Romance

A proud young woman in early 20th century Australia must choose between marriage and independence.A proud young woman in early 20th century Australia must choose between marriage and independence.A proud young woman in early 20th century Australia must choose between marriage and independence.

Director
- Gillian Armstrong
Writers
- Eleanor Witcombe
- Miles Franklin
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.1/10

YOUR RATING

Director
- Gillian Armstrong
Writers
- Eleanor Witcombe
- Miles Franklin
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 11 wins & 8 nominations total

Trivia
Judy Davis learned the piano for her role in this film and played her own piano solos. Davis is credited for piano playing in the closing credits.

Quotes
[first lines]
Sybylla: Possum Gully, Australia. 1897. Dear fellow countrymen, just a few lines to let you know that this story is going to be all about me. So, in answer to many requests, here is the story of my career... here is the story, of my career... my *brilliant* career. I make no apology for being egotistical... because I am!

Connections
Featured in My Brilliant Career: Ciné Regards - Judy Davis (1980)

User reviews56

Featured review

7/10

terrific actors

It's 1897 rural Australia. It's rough living in a patriarchal society. Sybylla Melvyn (Judy Davis) has many big dreams. She wants a grand career rather than a marriage. Her mother tells her that they can't keep her anymore. She is sent away to live with her rich grandmother. She is excited at first by the change. She is soon pursued by the Frank Hawdon (Robert Grubb) and childhood acquaintance Harry Beecham (Sam Neill). She refuses to be married off. She grows closer and closer to Harry.

These are two great young Aussie actors. The story meanders a bit. My best comparison is Anne of Green Gables without the humor. Without the humor, Sybylla comes off a little more huffy. Judy Davis is a very appealing actress. The back and forth in the romance is quite compelling. It's an empowering story and there's also the acting. The cinematographer is also great.