Joh: Last King of Queensland

For 19 eventful years, from 1968 to 1987, Joh Bjelke-Petersen held sway over Queensland as Premier. While he was immensely popular and oversaw significant development, his leadership was marred by rampant corruption, electoral manipulation, and often brutal suppression of opposition. This film delves into Joh’s life, using rare archival footage and insightful interviews to paint a picture of a man shaped by a tough, devout upbringing on his family’s farm. Richard Roxburgh masterfully portrays Joh’s famously convoluted and rambling speech, reminiscent of Trump, alongside his relentless grip on power and the desperate denial that marked his final days in office.