The Dish Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Aussie sheep farmers accidentally broadcast the moon landing because NASA didn’t realize Australia was upside down.

🍿 The Dish: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Setting the Stage: Parkes, Australia, 1969

In 1969, the small Australian town of Parkes is abuzz with excitement. Their radio telescope, known as “The Dish”, has been chosen by NASA to receive and transmit live images of the Apollo 11 moon landing. This places the town at the center of a monumental moment in history.

Challenges and Quirks

Cliff Buxton, the head of the observatory, and his team face various challenges, including a shaky electricity supply and the arrival of Al Burnett, a worried NASA official. The film highlights the cultural differences between the Australians and the Americans, adding a comedic element to the story. A subplot involves a shy mathematician attempting to woo a local girl with the support of his teasing colleagues.

The Blackout and the Storm

Disaster strikes when a power failure causes the station to lose contact with Apollo 11. The team initially conceals this from NASA, fearing they’ll be excluded from the broadcast. As they scramble to regain contact, a sudden and unexpected gale threatens to damage the dish, jeopardizing the entire mission.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Cliff Buxton (Sam Neill): The recently widowed director of the Parkes Observatory who leads his team in supporting the Apollo 11 mission.
• Al Burnett (Patrick Warburton): The NASA representative who is sent to Australia to oversee the operation, initially clashing with the local team but eventually earning their respect.
• Bob McIntyre (Roy Billing): The well-meaning but somewhat bumbling mayor of Parkes who is proud of his town’s involvement in the Apollo 11 mission.
• Glenn Latham (Tom Long): A shy and hesitant computer scientist working at the Parkes Observatory, who develops a romantic interest in a local girl.
• Rudi (Tayler Kane): The security guard at Parkes, who takes his role very seriously and provides comedic relief.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Cliff: “This is science’s chance to be daring.” – Cliff says this as he convinces his team to push the limits of the dish during the storm, showcasing the daring spirit of scientific exploration.
• Al Burnett: “What have I done?” – Al exclaims this when he realizes he lied to NASA to buy time for the Australian team during a crisis.
• Mitch: “A lot better before you opened your trap.” – Mitch says this sarcastically to a reporter, highlighting the team’s down-to-earth attitude amidst the global event.
• Marie: “If you ask me, it’s the most chauvinistic exercise in the history of the world.” – Marie expresses her dissenting view on the moon landing, representing a counter-cultural perspective.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $18,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $2,552,992
• Worldwide Gross: $16,578,157

💥 The Dish Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved The Dish! It’s such a heartwarming and funny movie. Seeing the small-town Aussie community get caught up in such a huge historical event was just brilliant. The scene where they are battling the wind to keep the dish aligned during the moonwalk had me on the edge of my seat. I felt proud, excited, and a little teary-eyed. It’s a film that reminds you of the good in humanity.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “History buffs”
  • “Fans of feel-good movies”
  • “Anyone interested in the Apollo 11 mission”
  • “Those who enjoy Australian comedies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some thematic elements related to grief”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “The Dish is a charming and witty film that successfully blends humor and history. Sam Neill delivers a stellar performance, and the supporting cast shines. The movie captures the spirit of the era and celebrates the human element behind a monumental achievement.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A feel-good movie that resonates with audiences of all ages, The Dish finds the humor and heart in a true story. The film’s strength lies in its characters and their interactions, creating a warm and engaging cinematic experience. Patrick Warburton adds a touch of comedic brilliance.

Audience Reactions

The underdog story of the small Australian town contributing to the moon landing resonates with viewers.: People appreciate the movie’s humor, its feel-good nature, and the way it portrays the community spirit.

Many viewers find the movie surprisingly emotional and heartwarming.: The film’s ability to blend comedy and drama in a believable and engaging way is a significant strength.

Overall Consensus: The Dish is a well-received comedy-drama that celebrates the human element behind the Apollo 11 moon landing, offering a heartwarming and humorous perspective on a historical event.

Awards

1. AACTA Awards (Best Original Screenplay)- 2000

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the true story of the Parkes Observatory’s role in the Apollo 11 moon landing.”
• “The filmmakers were granted access to the real Parkes Observatory for filming, adding authenticity to the production.”
• “To recreate the look and feel of 1969, the production team meticulously researched the era’s clothing, cars, and technology.”
• “The film cleverly blends actual footage from the Apollo 11 mission with the fictional narrative.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Dish?

The Dish is available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your preferred streaming service for current availability. DVD and Blu-ray copies can also be purchased online.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Dish, you might like these similar films:

• Apollo 13 (1995): Both films depict the challenges and triumphs of the NASA space program.
• Hidden Figures (2016): Both films celebrate the unsung heroes who contributed to significant achievements in space exploration.
• The Right Stuff (1983): Captures the early days of the American space program with a blend of drama and humor.
• October Sky (1999): It is a feel-good movie where a small community experiences the excitement of space exploration.
• The Castle (1997): Another classic Australian comedy with a similar quirky, heartwarming feel.

🛒 The Dish Related Products

• The Dish [DVD]: Relive the heartwarming and hilarious story of a small Australian town’s role in the Apollo 11 moon landing with this DVD. Perfect for family movie night.
• Apollo 11: First Steps Edition [Blu-ray]: Experience the actual footage from the Apollo 11 mission in stunning high definition. See what all the fuss was about with the moon landing.
• NASA T-Shirt – Vintage Apollo 11 Mission Graphic Tee: Show your love for space exploration with this vintage-style t-shirt featuring the iconic Apollo 11 mission graphic. Available in various sizes.
• LEGO NASA Apollo Saturn V 92176 Ideas Space Model Building Kit: Build a detailed replica of the Saturn V rocket that launched the Apollo 11 mission. A fun and educational building experience for space enthusiasts.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Dish features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Day the World Stood Still” – performed by Tina Arena
• “Something in the Air” – performed by Thunderclap Newman
• “Spanish Flea” – performed by Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass
• “The Real Thing” – performed by Russell Morris

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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