"Oscar and Lucinda" is a 1997 Australian-British film directed by Gillian Armstrong, based on

the 1988 novel of the same name by Peter Carey. The story revolves around Oscar and Lucinda,

two unconventional and eccentric characters who share a passion for gambling and a love of

glass. They meet on a ship bound for Australia and form an unlikely romantic connection.

Lucinda is an independent and wealthy heiress, while Oscar is a shy, religious man with a

gambling addiction.
As I go through the story the film delves into the complexities of love, obsession, and

infatuation. Oscar and Lucinda's relationship is unconventional, driven by their shared passions

for gambling and glass rather than traditional romantic attraction. Their obsessions lead them to

take significant risks in their lives, their lives seem to be shaped by a series of fateful and

coincidental events. Their meeting on a ship, their shared interests, and their daring plan to

transport a glass church across the Australian outback all highlight the theme of destiny.

Oscar and Lucinda are exceptional in their own ways. Oscar is a religious man who doesn't fit

into the traditional world of a missionary, and Lucinda is a rich woman who defies societal

norms and traditions at that time. I felt the way to explore the tension between adhering to

societal expectations and pursuing one's own unique desire. Gambling is a central theme in the

story, and it represents the characters' willingness to take risks and their sense of adventure. The

glass church transportation project is a high-stakes gamble that becomes a symbol of their shared

passion and desires.

Oscar and Lucinda had experienced moments of isolation and loneliness in their lives, which

make their connection with each other more significant and special, they introduced the idea that

love can bridge the gap between two lonely souls, I also touched the issue of class and social

hierarchy, as Lucinda is a wealthy woman, and Oscar comes from a more humble and poor

family, this social statuses create tension and conflict in their relationship, and also religious

beliefs play a significant role in the story, they both examine how faith can influence one's

actions and decisions.

The relationship between money and religion is very difficult to address since money can change

people’s lives and thoughts as well, which can affect decisions and paths of life, but they were so

special because money had not played any role in changing their minds and ways of thinking, I
truly respected that they have devoted their time, money and reputation into the stake for

transporting a glass church to their hometown and the idea of raising a son who was not

Lucinda’s biological son is considered a noble action that confirms their uniqueness.