Children of the Revolution

Children of the Revolution is a black and epic comedy that has also been characterised as a combination of Potemkin and Mel Brooks. The film mixes comedy and tragedy, fact and fiction, in an extravagant story that develops from the Cold War to today's Australia. In 1949 Joan Fraser is the most desirable objet d'amour for every Socialist man in and around Sydney. She fights for a better, more just world and dreams of nothing but a workers' revolution. Her endless stream of letters to Joseph Stalin does not remain unnoticed. And nor does Joan herself: Stalin falls head over heels for the spirited Australian, anddies after he has spent the night with her. Love baby Joe is Joan's hope for the future of Australia. His mother does everything she can to get Joe to write history. But the fight is hard and as the meaning of Communism ebbs away, her dream of 'Revolution-maker Joe Welch' sinks further and further into oblivion. Prison, love, marriage, power, family and, of course, history changes the young man. As Joe's revolution comes closer, and Joan eventually sees results, everything is in danger of going wrong.This political and historical farce was made with great intelligence and irony and carried by Judy Davis (in the intriguing role of Joan), Sam Neill and the unparalleled character actor F. Murray Abraham as Stalin.