The Coolangatta Gold (film)

The Coolangatta Gold is a 1984 Australian sports drama film directed by Igor Auzins and starring Colin Friels, Joss McWilliam, and Nicole Kidman. The film centers on two brothers, Steve and Adam Lucas, who compete in the grueling Coolangatta Gold surf lifesaving race.

The film follows the brothers' different paths and approaches to training and competition, as well as their personal lives and relationships. Steve, the older brother, is portrayed as more disciplined and determined, while Adam is more rebellious and prone to self-doubt. The Coolangatta Gold race itself is a multi-disciplinary event that tests athletes' endurance in swimming, running, surf skiing, and board paddling.

The Coolangatta Gold explores themes of brotherhood, rivalry, dedication, and the physical and mental demands of competitive sport. It showcases the Australian beach culture and the athleticism of surf lifesavers. The film received positive reviews for its cinematography, performances, and portrayal of the challenging race. It also helped to raise the profile of surf lifesaving as a sport and the Coolangatta Gold race in particular.