As the winds of change sweep across the rugby league landscape, Grub Henderson (Matt Nable) defiantly stands among all others as the embodiment of those before him. Foreign codes of business are tearing at the fabric of loyalty that exists between Grub's club and family. He collides head-on with an administration eager to bury him, and battles against his brother and coach's betrayal. At home his wife is troubled by the transformation of the man she married, and his children are left wanting for their father.
In a bid to cling to his self-worth, Grub bitterly swallows his pride and bargains for his future. As the game that provides him an identity crumbles, he finds acceptance in the man he could be.
Special Agent Matti
The final winter is a bit rough, much like the game it portrays.
Now, everyone who plays footy knows the quote that rugby union is a thug's game played by gentlemen while rugby league is a gentleman's game played by thugs. This was pretty much true but nowadays rugby union is a thug's game played by professionals while rugby league is a gentleman's game played by advertising agents. Have you seen how many sponsors' logos and names there are on a league jersey? If you don't know the team colours you've got no chance. I'm surprised they aren't hiring out the players' shorts to Ansell and Rectinol.
I found the actors' performances overall to be a little stilted. It is as if the cast were chosen for their footy skills rather than their acting chops - the notable exception being Nathaniel Dean, who kicks it right between the posts (if you can forgive the metaphor/pun). The make-up is laid on a bit heavily, too. So is the fucking swearing but that's to be expected in a working-class environment in a country colonised by bloody convicts.
Carn the blues!
The Australia, drama, sport movie The final winter is directed by Jane Forrest, Brian Andrews and stars Matt Nable, Matthew Johns, Nathaniel Dean.
M (Frequent moderate coarse language, sporting violence)
96 minutes (1:36 hours)
Film: 6 September 2007
