Looking For Alibrandi is an internationally acclaimed novel and feature film, written by Melina Marchetta and published in October 1992. The novel and film is set in the 1990s, starring Australian talent, including Pia Miranda as Josephine Alibrandi, the film's main character, Anthony LaPaglia as her father, Michael Andretti, who left her and her mother before her birth, and Kick Gurry as Josie’s love interest, Jacob Coote. Image File history File links Looking_For_Alibrandi_Film. ... Melina Marchetta - Source: Sydney Morning Herald Melina Marchetta is an Australian author and high school teacher at St Marys Cathedral College, Sydney. ... Pia Miranda (born June 15, 1973) is an Australian, multi-award winning actress whose career was launched with her massively successful 2000 role in the feature film Looking for Alibrandi, an Australian film based on the novel by Melina Marchetta. ... Anthony LaPaglia (born 31 January 1959) (pronounced ) is an Australian actor, best known for his role as FBI agent Jack Malone on the American TV series Without a Trace, a role which won him a Golden Globe Award. ... Greta Scacchi (born February 18, 1960 in Milan, Italy) is an Emmy Award-winning film actress. ... For the C. S. Lewis novel, see The Silver Chair. ... Killing Heidi are a rock band from Violet Town, Victoria, Australia. ... Martin Connor is a New York State Senator from Brooklyn. ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... Melina Marchetta - Source: Sydney Morning Herald Melina Marchetta is an Australian author and high school teacher at St Marys Cathedral College, Sydney. ... Year 1992 (MCMXCII) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar). ... Year 1990 (MCMXC) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1990 Gregorian calendar). ... Pia Miranda (born June 15, 1973) is an Australian, multi-award winning actress whose career was launched with her massively successful 2000 role in the feature film Looking for Alibrandi, an Australian film based on the novel by Melina Marchetta. ... Anthony LaPaglia (born 31 January 1959) (pronounced ) is an Australian actor, best known for his role as FBI agent Jack Malone on the American TV series Without a Trace, a role which won him a Golden Globe Award. ...

Critical acclaim

The film, while not well-known in markets such as the USA or UK, has received critical acclaim for its insights into both the second-generation-migrant experience and the universal human condition.

"Looking For Alibrandi is an assured first film from tv director Kate Woods, giving its multicultural terrain the true respect and depth it deserves." [1]

"This new Aussie film is made to appeal directly to young teenage girls, and in that demographic this is a 4-star effort. The characters are rich and engaging, the storylines thought-provoking yet nice enough to be generally appealing. The humour is a little off the wall but is good, while the drama really works effectively." [2]

Plot

The film "Looking for Alibrandi" begins light-heartedly, and the viewer gets a very quick understanding of Josie's character through her interactions with her friends and family. As the film progresses, the glamour that is initially associated with Josie begins to fade as we watch her struggle to cope with her final year of school (particularly the racist attitude of one girl in particular, Carly Bishop (Leeanna Walsman), the suicide of her sweetheart, John Barton (Matthew Newton), and meeting with Michael Andretti, her father, of whom has only just found out about her existence upon returning to Sydney for work. Plus, of course, there is the never ending conflict between her and her grandmother, Katia Alibrandi (Elena Cotta). Leeanna Walsman (born October 15, 1980 in Sydney, Australia) is an Australian actress. ... Matthew Newton is an Australian stage and screen actor. ...

However, these complications are seemingly resolved quickly, in keeping with Josie's brusque and forthright outlook on life. For example, in response to Carly's continuous snide remarks, she breaks her tormentor's nose with a history textbook. It is this summary act that brings her father back into her life.

Another complication - the suicide of her unrequited sweetheart - tests her resilience. Despite struggling with her grief, she meets a new friend, Jacob Coote, the quintessential 'bad boy' who soon shows himself to be sincere and loving on the inside.

The most significant complication and challenge for Josie, though, is her rocky relationship with her erstwhile father, Michael Andretti. When they get to know each other, and recognise themselves in each other, their rift heals, and she can confide in him.

Cast

• Pia Miranda as Josephine Alibrandi (main character)
• Greta Scacchi as Christina Alibrandi
• Anthony LaPaglia as Michael Andretti
• Elena Cotta as Katia Alibrandi
• Kick Gurry as Jacob Coote
• Matthew Newton as John Barton
• Leeanna Walsman as Carly Bishop
• Kerry Walker as Sister Louise, the strict nun who presides over the Roman Catholic College Josie attends
• Leanne Carlow as Sera Conti, Josie's crazy, outgoing, happy-go-lucky friend
• Diane Viduka as Anna Selicic, Josie's other friend, and the exact opposite of Sera.

Pia Miranda (born June 15, 1973) is an Australian, multi-award winning actress whose career was launched with her massively successful 2000 role in the feature film Looking for Alibrandi, an Australian film based on the novel by Melina Marchetta. ... Greta Scacchi (born February 18, 1960 in Milan, Italy) is an Emmy Award-winning film actress. ... Anthony LaPaglia (born 31 January 1959) (pronounced ) is an Australian actor, best known for his role as FBI agent Jack Malone on the American TV series Without a Trace, a role which won him a Golden Globe Award. ... Matthew Newton is an Australian stage and screen actor. ... Leeanna Walsman (born October 15, 1980 in Sydney, Australia) is an Australian actress. ... For other uses, see Nun (disambiguation). ... The Roman Catholic Church, most often spoken of simply as the Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with over one billion members. ... College (Latin collegium) is a term most often used today to denote an educational institution. ...

External links

• Looking for Alibrandi at the Internet Movie Database
• Looking for Alibrandi at the National Film and Sound Archive