Australian writer/director Kim Mordaunt brings a convincing tale of a young Laotian boy leading his family to a new home...

| Original Score: 4/5 | Sep 24, 2020

A unique locale and cinematically underexplored group of people serves an intriguing jumping point into a tale that's otherwise quite predictable, though enhanced by its ability to remain, simply, a tale of overcoming unfortunate circumstance.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Aug 29, 2019

Over-produced and shamelessly manipulative, The Rocket employs a cringe-inducing score that cues every desired audience response, including unalloyed uplift at the end.

| Aug 28, 2019

A feel-good family film that evokes the winning dazzle of the best Disney pictures (the animated ones, especially), but without the patronizing sentimentality.

| Original Score: 8/10 | Apr 3, 2019

Though its central didactic message of retaining hope in the face of adversity is utterly commendable, it's in the winning lead turns of its two child stars that The Rocket really earns its plaudits.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Mar 8, 2019

What elevates The Rocket from a good film to outstanding is the performance of Sitthiphon Disamoe, our spirited central character.

| Feb 28, 2019

Australian director [Kim] Mordaunt immerses us in this new land and its surprising people, only to reveal that the unknown "other" is just like us.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Aug 31, 2018

It's a charming and visually appealing tale filled with energy, humour and heart, yet without a hint of sentimentality.

| Jan 3, 2018

[It's] a feel-good, triumph-over-adversity story involving a small boy and, although this outcome also isn't in any doubt, at least the journey is fascinating and it's been made with a heart that is warm.

| Sep 1, 2017

If the Laotians in the film appear to be superstitious simpletons, it's not because they actually are - it's because Mr. Mordaunt made them so.

| Oct 8, 2015

Inescapeable hopelessness turns out to be neither

| Original Score: 2/4 | Apr 18, 2014

A vital fairytale about a ten-year-old Laotian boy whose family thinks he's been cursed since birth, "The Rocket" is an unlikely heartwarmer.

| Apr 13, 2014

In some ways, it feels like a throwback to many '80s teen movies, where everything comes down to a competition at the end, and the hero will finally get the chance to prove his worth.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Mar 31, 2014

Vivid, travelogue-y village pic.

| Mar 14, 2014

Try not to fall off the edge of your seat during the film's nail-biting final scenes.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 14, 2014

Despite some dark edges, this crowd-pleasing Laotian drama is far too heartwarming for its own good.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Mar 14, 2014

It is a likable piece of work whose gentleness is an interesting contrast to the grim and even tragic subject matter.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Mar 13, 2014

This utterly charming, fable-like coming of age tale will live longer in the hearts and minds of audiences.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 13, 2014

A simple but charming, affecting and thought-provoking story, rich in atmosphere and local history, and beautifully acted by its young leads.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 13, 2014

A Lao-brow fable that resonates richly with the realities of globalisation.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 13, 2014