The Coca-Cola Kid
Director: Dusan Makavejev
Actors: Eric Roberts, Greta Scacchi, Bill Kerr
PlotAn ambitious American marketing executive is sent to Australia by his company to boost Coca-Cola sales in a region where an eccentric local bottler has managed to resist the global brand's influence. Eager to prove his worth, the executive formulates an audacious plan to infiltrate the local market and out-smart the stubborn bottler. Upon arrival, he discovers that the locals are fiercely loyal to their own regional soda, complicating his mission. In his professional quest, he becomes entangled with a local secretary who is quirky yet intriguing, adding an unexpected personal dynamic to his stay. Her eccentric nature and alluring charm begin to unsettle his rigid corporate mindset.
While navigating cultural clashes and unexpected challenges, the executive finds himself in a series of humorous and eye-opening encounters with the townspeople, each providing different perspectives on life and business. Despite his initial single-mindedness, these interactions begin to shift his worldviews in unforeseen ways. As the marketing campaign progresses, tensions between corporate ambitions and personal ethics bring conflicts that challenge the executive's core convictions. With a blend of global capitalism meeting steadfast local traditions, the story explores themes of commercialism, community values, and personal growth. Each decision he makes could propel him forward or leave him questioning what success truly means. The complexities he faces suggest that life, much like business, isn't always about winning or losing; sometimes it’s about finding balance and meaning beyond profit.
Writers: Frank Moorhouse, Denny Lawrence
Release Date: 14 Jul 1985
Runtime: 98 min
Rating: R
Country: Australia
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
The Coca-Cola Kid is an energetic, though inconsistent, film with fresh locations and strong A/V presentation, making it a worthwhile Blu-ray experience.
Read our review of The Coca-Cola Kid Blu-ray to find out more