A bright, cheerful musical on a distinctly uncheerful subject-the Australian mission schools, which, like Canada's residential schools, were created to "civilize" Aboriginal children and youth by purging them of their cultural heritage and identity — Bran Nue Dae slyly undermines the legacy of colonialism through the power of song (and jazz hands). In 1969, teenage Willie (Rocky McKenzie) is finally making inroads with his crush Rosie (Jessica Mauboy) when his mother sends him back to the boarding school run by the strict Father Benedictus (Geoffrey Rush). Yearning to be reunited with his lost love, Willie runs away from the school and tries to hitch back to his hometown in the company of assorted hoboes and hippies, with Father Benedictus in hot pursuit. Adapted from the hit 1990 stage musical and awash in dazzling colours courtesy of ace cinematographer Andrew Lesnie (The Lord of the Rings), Bran Nue Dae is a vibrant and gloriously cheeky celebration of Aboriginal life from director Rachel Perkins (Radiance).