For the Term of His Natural Life: Part 1
Closed CaptioningRob Stewart
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Plot Summary
Richard Devine, on discovering the secret of his true parentage, is disinherited and driven from his home in England. After changing his name to Rufus Dawes, he is falsely accused of murdering his father and transported to the notorious Port Arthur penal colony in Van Diemen's Land "for the term of his natural life." His jailers, including the brutal Lieutenant Frere, gradually transform the bright and witty young Englishman into a hardened and desperate convict suffering cruel and violent treatment. Revenge gives him a reason to escape. Love gives him a reason to live.
Customer Reviews
Great Film!
This is a great film - historical fiction come to life! I found the story of Rufus Dawes to be fascinating - his imprisonment and struggles both at sea and Tasmania were interesting.
The film takes place over the course of many years of his life. I like the style and the structure of the film. I miss these mini-series where you can get involved with the characters and chart them over the course of their lives and struggles.
I read the book as well, and while the film is faithful to the novel to a point, it makes some much needed changes to make it more dramatic and satisfying.
Rod Mullinar as Lt. Frere may be my favorite character and performance. He’s a fantastic villain. The cinematography and desolate beauty of the Tasmanian coast is fantastic as well.
If you want to get lost in an exciting historical world, I highly recommend this film.
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