Rogue Nation
Documentary series – 2 x 1hr (2008) – ABC1
dir. Peter Andrikidis & Lisa Matthews | prod. Ian Collie | edit. Karin Steininger
Essential Media and Entertainment
Historian Michael Cathcart tells the epic story of how the colourful characters of early colonial Australia transformed a penal settlement into a land with rights and opportunity in a mere 40 years. Starring: John Wood, Peter O’Brien, Leanna Walsman, Geoff Morrell, John Brumpton, Les Hill and Heather Mitchell
Episode 1 – Bligh, Macarthur and the Rum Rebellion of 1808
Episode 2 – Wentworth, Darling and the court cases that shaped our Nation
Official Screen Australia Rogue Nation Website including film trailer
Purchase the DVD
ABC1 Rogue Nation webpage
Essential Media and Entertainment Rogue Nation webpage
What the Critics Have Said
“…despite a lack of explicit sex and violence, Rogue Nation could teach Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities a thing or two about excellence in historical storytelling.” 4 our of 5 stars. Deborah Grunfeld, Who Weekly
“In terms of audience size, this will be the most popular treatment of its subject in many years, and will presumably become and important educational resource on DVD…Rogue Nation is well worth a look.” Michael Duffy, Sydney Morning Herald
“This is great television, both educational and entertaining.” Greg Hassall, Sydney Morning Herald
“…the one real criticism of Rogue Nation: it leaves us wanting more.” 3 out of 4 stars.Melinda Houston, Sunday Age
“(John) Wood plays the pompous and autocratic Governor William Bligh to perfection, while (Geoff) Morrell as the greedy, entrepreneurial pastoralist John Macarthur is superb.”Sunday Telegraph, PICK OF THE WEEK
“There’s a tendency to see Australian history as a little dull when compared with the grand sweep of European or US history but this series reveals our early days to be full of intrigue and drama.” Sydney Morning Herald, SHOW OF THE WEEK
“With re-enactments featuring some of the country’s best actors, Rogue Nation explores a rich colonial history filled with duels, treachery and power plays. A gripping and original look at early Australia’s story.”Daily Telegraph
