The Jammed (2007)

I didn't have much desire to see this. An Aussie-made movie about a sleazy subject? It was sure to be as grubby, repulsive and amateurish as possible. But David Stratton's strong recommendation led me to give the DVD a spin.I'm glad I did. Dee McLachlan has produced a gripping film with commendable restraint. It's a low budget film but has a professional touch about it. The only qualm I had was why Emma Lung was nominated as lead actress. The main character seemed to me to be Ashley, played by Veronica Sywak. Sywak was also in Romulus My Father, apparently, although I don't remember her. Which is surprising, since in this film she's both startlingly attractive and startlingly good at capturing her character. Ashley has a lousy job, which appears to consist of finding reasons to turn down insurance claims. Not much room for compassion there. Yet when she's placed in circumstances in which she really doesn't want to get involved, it's conscience and compassion that drive her to do just one more thing to help, then another and another.I also liked Saskia Burmeister's Vanya, the feisty Russian who's secretly one step ahead of the game.The film has a bit to say about Australian immigration policies and its bureaucrats, and a lot to say about the state of Australian cities and the people who populate them. As one character says, "Melbourne is a dangerous city." These days, where isn't? The only false note, for me, occurred towards the end, during the rescue of Vanya. Ashley has been progressively becoming more daring and innovative but this seemed a step too far, out of reality and into the realms of movie fantasy. Still, one false note in a pretty good film can be forgiven.I thought "The Jammed" was an excellent achievement - 8/10

What a shockingly stunning film! It's still going around and around in my head and it's a struggle to know what to write.It's always a shock to discover that films like these are based on real events, I like to think that people are better than that. But it's a well written, superbly acted, thrilling ride that doesn't sugar coat any of the issues. Emma Lung, Veronica Sywak, Saskia Burmeister and Sun Park give emotional, brave performances. Not for the faint-hearted, but so compelling and important. Just don't hold your breath for a happy ending.Full credit to Dee McLachlan for a remarkably real and moving film experience.

I went to see this film today and i thought it was written so well! When i walked out the cinema at Nova,Lygon St and i saw my wonderful city in a new light- i now wonder what goes on in those abandoned warehouses and shops. The film's stars Emma Lung, Saskia Burmeister, Sun Park and Veronica Swyak were brilliant! I hope to see them in many future films to come. This film definitely deserves an AFI nomination for best director, best screenplay, best actress (Emma Lung) Well done Dee for bringing this story to the cinema, you have opened so many people's eyes on what goes on in our city's backstreet. I hope to see you write and direct another feature film soon.

I saw this film 2 nights ago at the Sydney Film Festival and I am still thinking about the issues that were tackled. The film was amazing and an all-round brilliant drama. Honestly, I couldn't stop the tears rolling down my face for at least 1 hour after the film ended.The script did not contain lengthy dialogue, but this was a positive. It was not too fast, and not too slow - it was the right speed in order to allow the audience to empathise with the characters. The acting was quite good but I think what made the film was the cinematography and the music that fit the message so well.I definitely recommend checking this film out - it is definitely gripping and very 'in your face'...but worth it!