IMDb 7.3 1978 HD

The Last Tasmanian

The Last Tasmanian

1978
Documentary
106 min NR Australia
6.3 / 10
7.3 IMDB

The story of the genocide of the Tasmanian aborigine population by British settlers. Specifically Truganini, the last living full-blood aborigine.

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Tom Haydon
Starring
Leo McKern

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

harrowing poignant important tragic somber confronting emotional historical essential thought-provoking impactful

Reviews

G
Genevieve Dubois
May 24, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

A crucial, albeit difficult, exploration of a devastating chapter in Australian history, 'The Last Tasmanian' is a film that demands to be seen. The narrative centres on the tragic fate of Tasmania's Aboriginal people, with Truganini’s story as…

C
Caspian Thorne
May 24, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

Examining the brutal history of Aboriginal genocide in Tasmania, 'The Last Tasmanian' is a film of significant thematic weight. Leo McKern anchors the narrative with a performance that carries the sorrow of a dying culture. The film’s focus…

B
Beatrice Holloway
May 24, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

'The Last Tasmanian' stands as a powerful testament to a forgotten tragedy. The film's unflinching portrayal of the genocide of Tasmania's Aboriginal population, centred on the poignant figure of Truganini, is deeply affecting. Leo McKern's performance is central…

A
Arthur Pendelton
May 24, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

This 1978 drama, 'The Last Tasmanian', tackles the harrowing subject of Aboriginal genocide in Tasmania with a stark, unflinching gaze. Leo McKern is the standout performer, bringing a palpable sense of sorrow and dignity to his role. The…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 24, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

A profoundly moving and essential piece of Australian cinema, 'The Last Tasmanian' bravely confronts a painful history. Leo McKern delivers a performance of quiet gravitas, anchoring a narrative that spares no one in its depiction of the devastating…

FAQs

While 'The Last Tasmanian' deals with the profound tragedy of genocide and cultural annihilation, its very act of telling the story can be seen as a form of remembrance and a call for understanding. By focusing on Truganini's plight as the last of her people, the film ensures that this history is not forgotten. The hope lies in its potential to educate and foster empathy, prompting reflection on past wrongs and the enduring legacy of indigenous cultures.