The Tender Hook is a 2008 Australian film noir directed by Jonathan Ogilvie and starring Hugo Weaving, Rose Byrne and Matthew Le Nevez. The film was retitled The Boxer and the Bombshell for its North American DVD release.

The Tender Hook
Theatrical poster
Directed byJonathan Ogilvie
Written byJonathan Ogilvie
Produced by
  • Michelle Harrison
  • John Brousek
Starring
CinematographyGeoffrey Simpson
Edited byKen Sallows
Music byChris Abrahams
Production
companies
  • Mandala Films
  • Film Finance
Distributed byDendy Films
Release dates
Running time
99 minutes
CountryAustralia
LanguageEnglish
BudgetA$7 million[1]
Box officeA$40,390[2]

Plot synopsis

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The film tells the story of a love triangle set in a stylised version of Sydney's criminal/boxing underworld in the 1920s. The story is about Iris' rise to the apex of a love/power triangle that includes her English con man, lover, McHeath, and Art an honest, young boxer. Within the flawed moral landscape each character struggles to establish their sovereignty.

Cast

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Production

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The Tender Hook is the second feature by writer/director Jonathan Ogilvie, and stars Hugo Weaving, Rose Byrne, and Matt Le Nevez.

Producers are Michelle Harrison and John Brousek.

The crew includes: director of photography, Geoffery Simpson; editor, Ken Sallows; production designer, Peter Baxter; costume designer, Cappi Ireland and composition of the score by Chris Abrahams from The Necks.

The film was financed by the Film Finance Corporation Australia, and Parkland Pictures (UK), with support from Film Victoria. Parkland Pictures (UK) handled international sales, with Icon Films distributing in Australasia.

Reception

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The film was not a box-office success, earning only $64,232[3] against its $7 million budget.[1]

Critics gave the film negative to average reviews. David Stratton and Margaret Pomeranz both gave the film 3 out of 5 stars, with Stratton explaining the film has "some very strong elements... [but] never really works as a thriller or as a romance".[4]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Kent, Melissa (10 May 2009). "Back in the frame". The Age. Retrieved 23 May 2010.
  2. ^ "The Tender Hook". Box Office Mojo. Amazon. Retrieved 25 February 2019.
  3. ^ Film Victoria – Australian Films at the Australian Box Office
  4. ^ "The Tender Hook". At the Movies. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 20 September 2008. Retrieved 23 May 2010.      
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