It is 1975, shortly after the Vietnam War, and Indonesia invades neighboring East Timor. In the small town of Balibo, five Australian reporters carry out their duties and cover the story. When they disappear, the disillusioned Roger East heads to Indonesia to investigate. During the course of his travels, he finds an ally in Jose Ramos-Horta, an activist that would one day become president. [Balibo] is a film that tickles a national conscience, unapologetically making bold statements about right and wrong, flying in the face of Indonesian and Australian official positions that claim the journalists were caught in crossfire; later inquests determined they were murdered. Robert Connolly has made a film that is intensely political and agitative as well as being perfectly balanced with the demands of narrative filmmaking. [Balibo] is simultaneously a thriller and an angry voice raised in defense of five murdered journalists and an oppressed nation. The film’s documentary tone serves to enhance the lingering shame, guilt, and betrayal associated with the still-disputed events, and lends it the veracity and gravitas the tale demands.