Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Formulaic coming-of-age story with mild romance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Broken Hill
What's the Story?
Tommy McAlpine (Luke Arnold) would rather be conducting an orchestra and making beautiful music than be on the field for Australian football or working on his father's (Timothy Hutton) sheep ranch. He hears music everywhere, but it's not where many envision his passions to reside. If he had his way, he'd be attending a conservatory, but an attempt to impress a possible connection falls flat. When he finds himself in trouble after joining his crush (Alexa Vega) on a vandalism-filled prank, he's sent to work with prisoners who have a talent for music. Does he have what it takes to make a difference and, perhaps, make real his true calling?
Is It Any Good?
There are some reasons to recommend BROKEN HILL; its thoughtful, though not quite in-depth, look at the interior life of prisoners, especially. At least it's attempting to show them in non-stereotypical ways, for which is deserves some kudos. Its main theme, that music can transport and soothe even the most troubled souls, is admirable, and its two leads (Arnold and Vega) add youth and verve to the whole enterprise.
Truth be told, though, it's quite clichéd. The story is fairly predictable -- you just know the girl will end up liking the awkward guy, after all, seeing as how he's so sensitive and all -- and the ending isn't as satisfying as it should be, given the journeys, musical and emotional, that Tommy and the prisoners embark on. (Why Timothy Hutton agreed to do this, we will never know.) It's a not-unpleasant way to pass the time, but memorable and original, it's not.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about following dreams. What does it take for Tommy to follow his dreams? What challenges have you encountered when trying to pursue your passions?
What does this movie share with other films about the power of music? Does it add anything to the genre?
Talk about peer pressure. What kind of influence do friends have on your decisions? What kind of advice do you seek from your friends? What decisions do you make entirely on your own?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : May 17, 2011
- Cast : Alexa Vega , Luke Arnold , Timothy Hutton
- Director : Dagen Merrill
- Studio : Entertainment One
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 102 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic elements and some language
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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