>Eminent domain is indefensible. The state should not have this kind
>of power over people's lives and space. I don't give a damn about
>the American fetish for private property rights, but everybody feels
>threatened when some government thinks that it has a right to do
>what it wants with a person's home.
Far from being progressive, the sentiment "a man's home is his castle" is patently feudal. Subject of one of the most hilarious Australian movies, "The Castle", ever made though. For those who haven't seen it, the hero is about little Aussie battler Darryl and his family's fight against compulsory acquisition of their home for airport expansion.
His successful High Court appeal against the acquisition was based on a legal doctrine known as "the vibe".
http://www.infilm.com.au/reviews/thecastle.htm
THE CASTLE
Director: Rob Sitch Cast: Michael Caton, Anne Tenney, Stephen Curry, Sophie Lee, Anthony Simcoe, Charles (Bud) Tingwell, Wayne Hope, Tiriel Mora, Eric Bana
Review: It may be pretentious of me to label The Castle as the funniest Australian comedy ever made, but that's probably not far from the truth.
This film comes from the Working Dog production company, who were responsible for the classic Aussie TV show Frontline as well as variety news and entertainment talkie The Panel. Working Dog star Rob Sitch directs The Castle with tasteful, silly and intelligent humour, complemented with a breezy and effortlessly energetic rythtem.
The Castle is a small guy versus the big guys film that has a sentimental emotional core, and many jokes are derived from the story of a charming family defending their home against a compulsory acquisition.
Performances from a talented Australia cast breathe life into a bunch of quirky but lovable characters. Michael Caton is especially great as the father of the family, Darryl Kerrigan, a lovable oaf with a heart of gold. Veteran actor Charles (Bud) Tingwell also appears as a wise lawyer who defends the Kerrigan's.
The script was written by Santo Cilauro, Tom Gleisner, Jane Kennedy and Sitch - all regulars on TV's The Panel. They have a sound sense of joke timing, and how to keep audiences interested. The Castle is a rare find; a funny, wonderful piece that shines in its own homely, honest way.
Review by Luke Buckmaster
>Progressives need to take a stand against any form of eminent domain.
As Darryl Kerrigan would say, "Y'r dreamin'!" :-)
Bill Bartlett Bracknell Tas