Far East (film)

Far East is a 1982 Australian drama film directed by John Duigan and starring Bryan Brown, Helen Morse and John Bell. "Far East" has many similarities to the 1942 classic "Casablanca".
"Filmink" said it was "Part of Australian cinema’s (brief as it turned out) interest in Asia in the early ‘80s."
Plot.
Journalist Peter Reeves (John Bell) takes his wife Jo (Helen Morse) to the Far East. There they meet Morgan Keefe (Bryan Brown), an ex-pat Aussie who owns a sleazy bar/nightspot called "The Koala Klub". After renewing their romance, Jo seeks Morgan's help when her husband is persecuted by the military regime for his investigations.
Production.
The original script was about an international business conference in the Philippines where members of the Philippines New Army surrounded them. But then the story drifted to more of a "Casablanca" (1943) type tale. Macao was used for eight days of location shooting.
Awards.
John Bell was nominated at the 1982 AFI Awards in the Best Actor in a Supporting Role category.
Box office.
"Far East" grossed $1,972,000 at the box office in Australia.
Home Media.
"Far East" was released on DVD with a new print by Umbrella Entertainment in April 2012. The DVD is compatible with all region codes and includes special features such as the theatrical trailer and audio commentary with director John Duigan.