Watch Age of Consent

Age of Consent is a 1969 Australian-British film that tells the story of an artist who goes to a small island in North Queensland to find inspiration for his paintings. The film is directed by Michael Powell and stars James Mason, Helen Mirren, and Jack MacGowran. The story revolves around Bradley Morahan (James Mason), a renowned artist living in New York City who has lost his inspiration. He decides to take a break from his city life and travel to a remote island in North Queensland, Australia, where he hopes to find the inspiration he needs to create his next masterpiece.

On his arrival on the island, Bradley rents a small house and quickly gets to work. However, he soon discovers that island life is not as peaceful as he initially thought it would be. The local population is characterized by a mixture of indigenous Australians and white settlers, and their behavior is often unpredictable and disruptive.

As Bradley becomes more and more immersed in the local culture, he meets Cora (Helen Mirren), a 16-year-old girl who is living on the island with her grandmother. She initially becomes the subject of Bradley's paintings, but they soon develop a deep and complex relationship.

Despite the age difference between them, Bradley and Cora are drawn to each other, and their relationship gradually becomes more intimate. However, Bradley soon realizes that he has to deal with the social and legal consequences of his actions. This prompts him to urge Cora to leave the island and return to mainland Australia.

The film tackles some of the cultural and social issues of the time, such as the relationship between indigenous Australians and white settlers, as well as the morality of age differences in romantic relationships.

One of the strengths of the film is its gorgeous cinematography. The film is set in the beautiful and pristine North Queensland, and the camera captures the stunning landscapes and seascapes of the area. Some of the scenes of Bradley's paintings being created are very immersive and sensory.

The performances in Age of Consent are also top-notch. James Mason delivers a nuanced performance as Bradley Morahan, portraying the struggles of an artist who has lost his passion for his craft. Helen Mirren, in her first major film role, is electrifying as Cora. She captures the innocence and curiosity of a young girl trying to find her place in the world, while at the same time hinting at the complexities of her character.

The film's pacing is leisurely, allowing the viewers to immerse themselves in the beauty and simplicity of island life. The soundtrack, composed by Peter Sculthorpe, is also a highlight of the film, creating a sense of both relaxation and melancholy.

In conclusion, Age of Consent is a beautiful and thought-provoking film that explores themes of art, culture, and morality through the relationship between an artist and a young girl. It features stunning cinematography, great performances by its leads, and a memorable soundtrack. It is a must-see for fans of Australian cinema and those who appreciate films that challenge and provoke their viewers.

Age of Consent is a 1969 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.