Bad Boy Bubby (1993)
High Level Coarse Language, Sex Scenes,adult Themes
All he needs is love.
L.A. Weekly called it “disturbing and compelling,” and it was awarded The Grand Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival. Despite a limited release in America, it would shock and delight audiences to become one of the most daring and controversial cult films of the past decade. Nicholas Hope – in what Variety hails as “an astonishing performance” – stars as Bubby, a demented man-child kept locked his entire life in a squalid apartment by his depraved mother. But when Bubby – who can only communicate by mimicking what others say and do – escapes into the outside, he soon discovers the wonders of sex, crime, rock & roll and pizza. Will this ‘mad bastard’ be destroyed by the realities of our cruel world, or does a higher calling ultimately await him in the most unlikely place of all?~~
| Status: | Normal |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 112mins |
| Origin: | AUSTRALIA |
| Aspect Ratio: |
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Member Reviews (25)
25 Member
Reviews
EXPERIMENT
says
Highly experimental Australian film, preferably listen to this film wearing headphones, for best sound effects. Worth viewing even although subject matter is difficult (incest, parental abuse, animal cruelty, mental illness, etc.). Some crude language. The ending is much too optimistic, but it is a fable not a "real story" so shouldn't be taken too literally.
Hot dogz
says
Doesn't surprise me that this film receives very mixed reviews.
It may not be for everyone however, it is very well written and directed.
In your face and confronting to the point it may make some people uncomfortable.
Funny at times, disturbing perhaps, well worth a look.
Outstanding Australian film.
Trish*
says
AWFUL, cult following? not worth a look.
Lyn
says
Not a film I could say I enjoyed watching, however, I'm glad I stayed with it until the end. Opens up a lot of questions about the influence of parents on their children, the effects of stifling intellectual stimulation, the effect of society upon the mentally disabled, and so on. A film that will stay in your mind rather than melting into the rest of the ho hum movies you see over the years. Great acting.
allen
says
Heard about it for years. As with everything Rolf does it was excellent. Agreat story of hope. Amazing acting.
debraisin
says
very thought provoking movie. bit disturbing in the beginning but glad I stuck it through.
John E.
says
This movie is unbelievably full on.
Provides an amazing view of society from the outside.
It is really interesting to see the changes in Bubby once he the opportunity to think for himself.
David A.
says
A dark comedy with a twist, the characters are not hollywood cliches, but truely found everyday characters. It plays on all the human flaws, failings and corruption. The controversial issues are ones people truely turn a blind eye to the existance of and pretend too well are only exaggerations. The disturbing sences offer a true representation how innocence is corruption and redemption found.
Andrew H.
says
Have you ever sat through a play that was just way too abstract and arty for your liking or taste? This movie felt like that for me. If you are a mainstream movie watcher, you will not enjoy this at all. I found it hard to see the comedy in it, in fact, I think the bits I laughed at were not intended to be humourous. None of the characters are the least bit real or believable. Nicholas Hope may put in an fine performance, but it is lost in the weirdness of this movie. Oh, and even though I am a dog person, I hope they were stunt cats in this film...
Aaron F.
says
Bizarre movie although 'Bubby' (Nicholas Hope) is amusing at times. Some scenes in this movie are not for the faint hearted but if you're after a completely alternative aussie movie experience then this is the one for you!
Kylie H.
says
I originally only put one star on this film as it was so sickening and disturbing but then realised if a film can stick with me since I first watched it 11 years ago and I have such deep affliction from it then it deserves more stars simply for being a film that makes you think, squeal, laugh and hide behind your hands. A cult classic in our circle - the blokes all think it's brilliant and the girls all think it's sick. Worth cling wrapping!
Kristina M.
says
Easily one of the worst movies I have watched. Pretty sick, rated up there with clockwork orange and deliverance How it ever got such great reviews I am unsure. not for the faint hearted viewers be warned
ka-tet
says
The most dysfunctional mother son relationship since Psycho. Free from her shackles Bubby roams the wider world and like any artist imitates what he sees in an attempt to understand his surroundings. More than that he's redeemed by love without being corny or cliche.
Elspeth N.
says
Quite slow, especially the first half but a wonderful movie - confronting and very different from any mainstream genre. Bubby is somehow very appealing and evokes sympathy in the watcher and the participants in the movie. A fascinating look at human dysfunction and the redemptive power of music and love. Very memorable.
Jonathan T.
says
Quirky and strange aussie movie.
Sonya K.
says
I live in Adelaide so it was great just to see familiar Port Adelaide in a movie. This movie is dark, shocking, funny, weird, entertaining and very Australian. The ending gave me a warm fuzzy feeling which I didn't expect.
Michael B.
says
Thoroughly enjoyed this, good acting.
Phillip M.
says
Very dark movie. You need to see the comedy in disturbing scenes. If you can do that you'll love it
David S.
says
This is a masterpiece! Probably still de Heer's best work.
Some people may find aspects of the film disturbing. My advice is to see the film and handle it. It is worth the journey.
It is interesting (if you listen to the commentary) that one actor in the movie actually had an early life deprived of communication. If she can turn into such a sane person, then we should all stop complaining about anything that life has dealt us!
Kirsty B.
says
Fred W.
says
THE WORST FILM I HAVE EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE AND I HAVE WORKED IN THE CINEMA INDUSTRY. PICTURE TOO DARK AND UNNECESARY USE OF FOUL LANGUAGE. WHERE WAS THE STORY.?
Alvin
says
Like the movie. But too difficult to describe. It has to be seen to be appreciated. Very different!
Paul P.
says
This is a great movie, although if are easily offended you may want to give it a miss.
Nathan B.
says
A disturbing yet inspiring film.
Paula B.
says
This has to be one of the best Aussie films of all time. That's even an understatement. This movie is so cool and disturbing. Its a dark movie with lots of wit, your not quite sure where this movie is heading. It brings up lots of controversial issues and its such a brilliant film. Highly entertaining and its hard to watch in some parts. Mostly the scenes of incest and violence. But watch the whole movie and judge for yourself, you wont be disappointed. This movie is genius and if you like to be shocked and taken out of your comfort zone be sure not to go past this movie. Truly an outstanding original Australian drama.