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The Dish (2001)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:95
Fresh:91
Rotten:4
Average Rating:7.4/10
Consensus: A feel good movie without an abundance of mush.
Runtime: 1 hr 41 mins
Genre: Dramas
Synopsis: In July 1969, the eyes of the world were on the Apollo 11 moon landing--but the world would have watched blank television screens if not for the hard work of a group of Australians manning the... In July 1969, the eyes of the world were on the Apollo 11 moon landing--but the world would have watched blank television screens if not for the hard work of a group of Australians manning the Parkes Radio Telescope, one of the largest dishes in the world. In THE DISH, a dramatization of the events surrounding the telecast or the space mission, Cliff Buxton (Sam Neill) and Al Burnett (Patrick Warburton) try to hold their crew together through calamities and crises ranging from dangerously high winds to a sudden power failure that cuts off contact with the distant astronauts, forcing the team to impersonate Neil Armstrong for the benefit of the visiting American ambassador. While the crew frantically prepares for the big moment, relaying the footage to televisions across the world, the people of Parkes celebrate their part in this momentous historical event. One of the most critically and commercially successful films ever to come out of Australia, THE DISH is a rousing, feel-good movie that succeeds both because of its perfectly formed characters and because of a heartwarming tone that illustrates that working for a common goal is the highest calling in life. [More]
Starring: Sam Neill, Patrick Warburton, Bille Brown, Roy Billing
Starring: Sam Neill, Patrick Warburton, Bille Brown, Roy Billing, Genevieve Mooy, Taylor Kane, Tom Long, Kevin Harrington
Director: Rob Sitch
Director: Rob Sitch
Screenwriter: Rob Sitch, Santo Cilauro, Tom Gleisner, Jane Kennedy
Studio: Warner Bros.
Reviews for The Dish
A satellite dish sitting in the middle of an Australian sheep farm might not sound like the most compelling subject to base a story around, but there are hidden charms in this graceful film that add up to something quite out of the ordinary.
Sitch's movie is a simple pleasure, full of memorable characters and comedy that could only occur under the direction of a patient and observant director.
Sitch deserves the highest praise for recapturing the global feeling of rapture and awe at watching a man walk on the moon. ... For a few minutes we can party like it's 1969.
A tender memoir of one of the few occasions when the world united in awe.
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