Our picks of Aussie flicks

More bittersweet than it looks, Muriel is an Abba-loving "hopeless" (so says her dad) dreamer, who fantasises about getting married to escape her dreary life. So she nicks loads of money and runs off with mate Rhonda (Six Feet Under's Rachel Griffiths) to start over. A brilliantly uplifting film to watch time and time again.

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)
It's more than ten years old now, and firmly established as a camp classic. Starring Terence Stamp, Guy Pearce and Hugo Weaving (Agent Smith from the Matrix), this gloriously unabashed film follows two drag artists and a transsexual as they journey to the desert for a gig. For those of you that haven't seen it, Priscilla is the bus.

Romper Stomper (1992)
Oooh, truly scary Russell Crowe! A youthful Maximus Decimus Platypus (whatever) plays Nazi skinhead Hando, who perceives local Vietnamese in Melbourne as threatening racial purity. Stuffed with raw, violent anger and extreme scenes, it's not easy watching by any means, but a great piece of filmmaking. Accused of 'sensationalising' the Nazi's thuggery, it's one to make your own mind up about.

Shine (1996)
Another launching pad for a top Aussie star, Geoffrey Rush took the challenging role of David Helfgott, a piano prodigy who is driven to a breakdown by his pushy father and teachers. The excellent direction and stellar performances from Rush and Noah Taylor (as the younger David), raise this biographical tale above highbrow chin-stroking and into something far more touching.

Strictly Ballroom (1991)
A little-known director named Baz Lurhman made a big splash with this indie film about ballroom dancing rivalry, rebelliousness and good old fashioned romance.

Paul Mercurio (where is he now? Appearing in Oz's version of Strictly Come Dancing, that's where!) plays Scott Hastings, the top dog of the ballroom scene, who has to turn ugly duckling Fran (Tara Morice) into a toe-tapping ninja so they can win the Pan Pacific Championships! Using the same frame as Dirty Dancing, but with an added dash of now-trademark Lurhman flashy camp, it's a top feel-good flick.