Critics have praised its raw, committed approach, comparing it favorably to other classic political thrillers like The Year of Living Dangerously . Free at Last: Robert Connolly's Balibo - Senses of Cinema
Due to its sensitive subject matter, the film was banned in Indonesia shortly after its release, as authorities considered the events "finished business". Balibo(2009)
is a gripping political thriller directed by Robert Connolly that depicts the real-life events surrounding the 1975 Indonesian invasion of East Timor . Critics have praised its raw, committed approach, comparing