This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

There's a more than satisfactory amount of boom-boom in the movie's trim running time.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.

There is definitely an excellent idea hidden in the background of the film. Unfortunately, it's difficult to find it.

September is a multi dimensional story, on one level, its about social change, human rights, injustice and politics. The other level is the story of friendship, growing up, first love, being youthful and powerful yet seemingly powerless. It is 1968 and the main characters Ed and Paddy are a reincarnation of there fathers, where one is white and one is black, one has privilege and the other is destined to servitude. Ed is young and to spite his youthful aspirations he is already taking his place in the social structure as the privileged white man, and treats his life long friend accordingly. Paddy is black, and realizing more everyday that his life long friendship is not what it had seemed. Both boys like to box and spar in a make shift ring they build together. For Ed it is childhood fun, for Paddy it becomes an opportunity to escape the preordained life of an unpaid aboriginal laborer. There is substance to the boys friendship that in the end prevails and is symbolic of the subtle social changes of the time. What made this movie so memorable for me was the huge scope of the subject, told in the most human way.

This is a story about two families, one a white generational wheat farmer and the other the aboriginal family indentured to the farm who are not paid but are given food and lodging and nothing else. They live 40 miles from town and 2 miles from the nearest neighbour. Dialogue is minimal as it would be in these circumstances with them being simple, quiet people.The two boys mirror their father, who mirrored theirs so we know what is the destiny of the boys as it is mapped out for them. The change is the granting of rights to the aboriginals such as a right to a salary. This has consequences to both families.The film reflects the speed of life in the beautifully shot countryside, yes very little happens but the small bits are tiny bright gems.I'm sorry they tried to put a little of the "coming of age" bit as it felt over-sentimentalised as these boys would have been quite worldly in things such as boxing, driving etc

It was an unusual film to see at the festival just because I wasn't used to such a slower paced film.I think in North America, we're so used to the plot being given to us blatantly that when a film like this comes along, it feels so foreign and so... different.There are some moments in the film when I wanted the pace to quicken a little bit. It is like others have said a very character-driven movie.It's not the worse movie I saw at the festival because at least it had a plot and something to say but I wouldn't say it was the best.The director to me tries to make you fill in the gaps - like a book - rather than having everything said aloud. (There were a lot of silent moments... some of which were painfully long) Nevertheless, I still found it interesting to watch. Whether I would recommend it to someone, well, if you fancy something different from what you're used to North America (a slower-paced film) then go ahead and watch this film.

I just finished screening "September" at the Toronto International Film Festival and I was more than impressed with this feature. The film is perfectly paced, has a meaningful plot and flawless acting. A well written screenplay builds a beautiful story about racial differences between friends, old and young, and how color and class can interfere with and shape human bonds and heart-felt relationships. This is a truly unique and beautiful Australian film with a cross-cultural theme and emotional resonance, not to mention the beautiful cinematography of a very isolated and serene part of Australia. I would definitely recommend this film and also see it again.