Emerald City Poster

Emerald City 1988

★ 5.614 votes92 min📅 1988-12-09

"A tale of two cities. Four people. And life's little pleasures . . . Money. Lust. Temptation. Greed. Power. Ambition."

Emerald City (1988) follows Colin and Kate, a couple who abandon the comfort of Melbourne for the glittering, cutthroat allure of Sydney.

Director: Michael Jenkins

Cast

Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman
Helen McCord
John Hargreaves
John Hargreaves
Colin Rogers
Chris Haywood
Chris Haywood
Mike McCord
Robyn Nevin
Robyn Nevin
Kate Rogers
Ruth Cracknell
Ruth Cracknell
Elaine Ross
Dennis Miller
Dennis Miller
Malcolm Bennett
Nicholas Hammond
Nicholas Hammond
Ian Wall
Ella Scott
Penny Rogers
Haydon Samuels
Sam Rogers
Michelle Torres
Kath Mitchell

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Emerald City (1988) about?

Emerald City (1988) chronicles the disillusionment of Colin and Kate when they relocate to Sydney in search of a better life. Colin's once-pure writing ambitions are corrupted by his editor's manipulation, while Kate's ideals crumble amid the city's cynical hustle. Their marriage fractures as they navigate lust, greed, and the hollow promises of the big city.

Who directed Emerald City?

Michael Jenkins directed Emerald City (1988), bringing a sharp, satirical eye to the film's exploration of ambition and moral decay in 1980s Australia.

Who stars in Emerald City?

The film features standout performances from Nicole Kidman, John Hargreaves, Chris Haywood, Robyn Nevin, and Ruth Cracknell as the core cast navigating Sydney's glittering yet treacherous landscape.

Is Emerald City (1988) worth watching?

Emerald City (1988) offers a captivating, if cynical, look at ambition and compromise, elevated by strong performances and a stylish setting. While not a crowd-pleaser, it's a solid pick for fans of sharp, character-driven dramas with a darkly comedic edge.

How long is Emerald City?

Emerald City (1988) has a runtime of 92 minutes.

About Emerald City (1988) — A Sydney-set drama about ambition and betrayal

Emerald City (1988) follows Colin and Kate, a couple who abandon the comfort of Melbourne for the glittering, cutthroat allure of Sydney. Directed by Michael Jenkins, this sharp-edged comedy-drama explores ambition and moral compromise as Colin's writing career spirals under the influence of his ruthless editor. Meanwhile, Kate finds herself adrift in a world of opportunists, losing touch with her once-steadfast values. At its core, the film dissects power and temptation, painting Sydney as both a dazzling escape and a moral minefield.

With standout performances from Nicole Kidman and John Hargreaves, Emerald City captures the neon-lit tension of 1980s Australia, where money and ambition blur the line between ambition and corruption. A biting, bittersweet tale of two cities and the people who get lost in them.