Storyline

Storm Boy tells the story of a 10-year-old boy, called Mick by his father Tom, and Storm Boy by the Aboriginal loner Fingerbone he befriends. This boy is growing up in an isolated corrugated iron shed next to a wildlife sanctuary. He lives with his father, who supports them by fishing alone. He is not attending school; he is illiterate and ignorant. Mick's father resents any intrusion of their secluded life, be it a washed-up radio or a mob of idiot bird shooters who kill a number of birds before they are scared off by Fingerbone. Amongst the dead are some pelicans whose chicks are still in the nest. The boy brings them home to care for. His father isn't keen, but permits it. Three pelicans become a lot to feed when they reach maturity, so his father insists on releasing them. Two are never seen again, but one, Mr Percival, keeps coming back. Another intruder is the new primary school teacher, brought by the park ranger. She is concerned about the boy's education, and pushes hard for him to be sent to school, or at least to do schoolwork by correspondence. She means well, but she is resented by the father - he doesn't want anything to change in their reclusive life.—Paul Gerard Kennedy

Plot Keywords

young boy, father, aborigine, pelican, ranger, teacher, fascinating, heartwarming, powerful, emotional, australia, family home, beach, town, coast, father/son relationship, animals, cross-cultural relations, life lessons, animal rights, mentorship, growing up, quest, 1970s

Short Review

A great family movie set in the beautiful Goolwa area of South Australia where pelicans fly free and the surf crashes on empty beaches. In this film, a boy's best friend is a pelican he rescued because his beach shack home is so isolated being distant from the nearest town, with access only by boat. A nice growing up film for all ages. Good acting and great direction, a well-made Ozzie film made in 1976.

Trailer

Streaming Service

1. Amazon Video : Rent from $1.99, Or $0.00 with a Prime membership