A Deep Dive into Aussie Culture through TV and Movies

Australia is known for its incredible diversity, not just in terms of nationalities represented but unique preferences for food, entertainment, recreation and media. While Australia is a giant multicultural melting pot, most Aussies collectively appreciate the significance of local TV and film, and its role in shaping society.

One of the biggest struggles international students can have with adjusting to Australian culture is understanding the ‘unwritten rules’ or social nuances. Those not familiar with iconic Australian shows and personalities may perhaps miss ‘in’ jokes on campus or at work, leading to a sense of alienation and downright bewilderment. Discovering what resonates with Aussies and getting in on the banter is a sure way to fast-track your social cred, which is important for establishing friendships.

Previously, we discussed the dos and don’ts of Aussie culture. For international students seeking to immerse themselves in Australian culture and therefore assimilate, our screens offer cues into everyday life, humour, societal norms and values. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day; take your time to soak in the strangeness while consuming Australian media. Pause and ask questions (Reddit have some great forums for this). Never be afraid to ask a fellow Aussie what something you saw or heard actually means, and why it’s significant for Australians. You’ll be highly respected as a culturally competent lifelong learner, curious about your new environment. Let’s get into it!

Aussie TV shows

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It’s going to be highly likely that as an international student, you’ll be streaming everything from your smart phone and laptop. The great thing is, all free-to-air TV channels are streamed (for free), so you can download 10 Play, ABC iView, 9Now, SBS and 7Plus for your phone and smart TV. Here are some suggestions for Aussie TV shows to get into.

Kath & Kim

Kath and Kim is a quintessential Australian sitcom revolving around the dysfunctional but lovable suburban mother-daughter duo, which was filmed between 2002-2007 but is timeless as ever. With an 8.4 rating on IMDb, you’re in for a treat. Known for its exaggerated portrayal of Australian suburban life, it provides insight into Aussie slang in situ. Set in Fountain Lakes, a fictional suburb of Melbourne, VIC, the characters Kath & Kim will remind you of someone you meet at the pub, at work or on campus. The storylines document personal struggles in the banality of day-to-day life, with an emphasis on the traditional working class of Australia. It also mocks pop culture, taking digs at Big Brother, Australian Idol, Jatz crackers and Tim Tams. There are 17 episodes in total, and they are all worth watching. It might seem silly and even futile at first—but stick with it. Kath, Kim, the metrosexual boyfriend Kel, lonely second-best friend Sharon and emasculated husband Brett will soon have you in stitches. Kath & Kim can be seen on Netflix.

Bluey

Don’t be put off by the cartoony kid-like show. Bluey is an over-enthusiastic and imaginative Blue Heeler puppy, whose daily life ‘adventures’ with her younger sister, Bingo, unfolds in hilarious and sometimes surprising ways. Scoring a whopping 9.4 rating on IMDb, Bluey is a slice of Australian life for the average Aussie family. It is filled with charms, life lessons, touching moments and many relatable scenarios that makes you stop and think. You’ll never be short of indulged Aussie stereotypes watching Bluey, with trips to Hammer Barn akin to a weekend at Bunnings and plenty of dad jokes that even your grandad would love. Wholesome and heart-warming, Bluey is a window into the modern Australian life – even daring to delve into tough topics like infertility, gender roles and death. Bluey can be watched in ABC iView.

Summer Heights High

A mockumentary-style politically incorrect comedy series created by Chris Lilley (who also does Lunatics on Netflix and We Can Be Heroes on Binge), Summer Heights High showcases the eccentricities of Australian high school life through various characters all played by the same talented comedian. Summer Heights High offers a satirical take on societal issues and teenage culture, such as the lower socio-economic status school versus private education and perspectives of Indigenous Australians. It can, at times, be sweary and a little crude, so be sure to watch it with EarPods in if you’re in a public place! Summer Heights High can be seen on Binge.

Aussie Movies

Most Australian movies blend humour, drama and socio-political commentary in one, tackling issues about race, culture, Indigenous agency and identity, and life for the everyday ‘Aussie battler.’ Movies like Crocodile Dundee and Mad Max have been said to capture the essence of Australia with authenticity and creativity, reflected in a range of storytelling styles. Though we can’t list all Australian movies, we can suggest our favourites.

The Castle

This one’s a classic—a rite of passage into Australian life. The Castle is a heartwarming comedy-drama depicting the Kerrigan family’s battle to save their beloved home from compulsory acquisition by big-wigs in government. Set in the suburbs of Melbourne, it celebrates the Aussie spirit of resilience, family bonds and the importance of home. There’s plenty of quotes from the movie that have become a sensation since its first screening such as, “This is going straight to the pool room”, “How’s the serenity”, “Tell him he’s dreamin’” and “What do you call this? – Chicken.” You might need to watch it a few times to truly ‘get it’, but sooner or later, you’ll catch the feel-good charm of a working class family with plenty of quirks.

Two Hands

Coined a gritty rendition of Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill, Two Hands is a drama about a 19-year-old in debt to a local gangster kingpin, starring Heath Ledger. When some serious loot disappears, he’s on the run from a gang of thugs in Sydney’s underbelly. Two Hands is filled with dark humour and revelations about Australia’s gang scene, in keeping with similar films like Chopper. But don’t let the criminal themes and 90s fashion turn you off (or make you think Australia is a high crime country – we’re not, in fact, crime is in 14 per cent decline from 2020). In accompaniment to this 99 minute tourism campaign for Kings Cross is a stellar soundtrack, featuring top Aussie artists such as Powderfinger, Alex Lloyd, Crowded House and Kate Ceberano.

Muriel’s Wedding

Muriel’s Wedding is a comedy-drama-tragedy following the misadventures of Muriel, a socially awkward young woman from a small Australian town, as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery to find true love. The film addresses themes of friendship, family and the pursuit of happiness from the perspective of a wedding-obsessed girl who loves ABBA. Muriel dreams of love and marriage but spends her nights alone. At a glance, you might mistake it for a light comedy when it can in fact, be heartbreaking at moments. Definitely a great one for learning about young Australians coming of age.

Exploring Australia through television and movies provides international students with cultural cues into its unique—and sometimes messy—history. As a student, we encourage you to explore historical and contemporary issues faced by everyday Australians to foster a sense of compassion, empathy and connection to your new home Down Under.

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