The Finished People

The Finished People is a drama/semi-documentary about troubled life on the street. Set in the heart of south-western Sydney, this film features the story of the three young people who struggle to pass through the days with no bright future.

Although the film consists of a cast of young actors appearing on screen for the first time, their performances are compelling. It is a powerful film where the characters stay with you even after the film ends. Van, a 20-years-old teenager, would rather sleep in the car park than at home due to conflicts with his dad. Van is depressed and does not see what the future will bestow on him. One day he meets Carla while stealing a shirt from her clothesline. Instead of reprimanding Van for stealing, Carla offers him a jacket. In turn, Van starts to change as their relationship deepens. When things get better for Van, however, he finds out a hidden truth about Carla that leaves him devastated. Having used drugs since he was 13, Tommy’s fight with addiction is not easy for him to overcome. After a friend’s death, Tommy tries to get clean and start his life over. With the help and support from Sara, Tommy’s childhood friend, he begins hunting for a job. After several unsuccessful interviews, Tommy is left with disappointment and depression, which leads him on the road of addiction once again. At 17, Des not only has to take care of himself but his pregnant girlfriend, Sophie, as well. Although Des is the type of person who runs away from his problems, he insists on staying with Sophie so that they can raise their child together. He does not want to become like his dad who had abandoned his mother and him. Despite these efforts, he soon finds out that being a responsible husband and father is not an easy job. He fails at every attempt to find a job. In desperation, he joins a gang and works for a local drug dealer.

This film establishes a sense of place on the streets of Cabramatta for these hopeless wandering souls. It also demonstrates one idea: people go on with their lives, good or bad. Although these three young people’s circumstances are different, they are connected in their struggle with poverty. Because of the lack of opportunity that is afforded to them, their grueling lives worsen, even as they strive to change for the better.
- Helena Tran

Austrailia / 2003 / 80 min / 35 mm color
Producer: Post 75 productions
Director : Khoa Do
Writers: Khoa Do, Rodney Anderson, Joe Le, Jason McGoldrick
Cinematographers : Oliver Lawrance, Murray Lui
Sound: Julius Chan, Rainier Davenport
Music: Abigail Hatherley
Editor : Alison Croft
Main Cast: Rodney Anderson, Viet Dang, Mylinh Dinh, Anh Do, Daniela Italiano, Steve Kourouche, Joe Le, Mirian Marquez, Sam MacDonald, Jason McGoldrick, Ivan Topic, and Sarah Vongmany