From cattle stampedes to romance, bar-fights to fine aristocratic balls, Australia covers all the bases. Viewers leave with the feeling of having just seen a truly memorizing film.
Australia follows the life of a sophisticated Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman) who must travel to Australia to bring her husband, who is working as a cattle raiser, back to England.
Upon her arrival, she learns of his tragic death. Rather than go back to England, she takes an interest in her late husband’s estate.
With the help of a cattle drover (Hugh Jackman), Ashley makes plans to bring her cattle to the city, in an attempt to beat her husband’s rival cattle breeder, who is believed to be stealing her cattle. Along the way, a romance spurs between Ashley and Drover. Ashley also becomes fond of an aboriginal child, Nullah (Brandon Walters), who is living on the ranch with his mother.
The second half of the movie deals with the Japanese bombing of Darwin, Australia. The arrival of the Japanese is devastating to Ashley, who must fight to keep her new family together through this difficult time.
Meanwhile, Nullah believes it is time that he join his grandfather, King George (David Gulpilil), to “walk-about”, a coming-of-age tradition in his culture, of which Lady Ashley does not approve.
I absolutely loved this movie. Despite the many negative reviews it received, every moment of this movie kept me fully engrossed. The scenery was beautiful, the actors were fit for the part, the script was well-written, and the plot was easy to connect with.
Kidman, gave an entertaining and commendable performance. She managed all of Lady Ashley’s quirks which added humor to the film; in addition, she was also likeable and easy to connect with. Her rendition of “Over the Rainbow” was truly unforgettable.
At only eleven years old, Walters gave one of the most heartwarming performances I have seen in a while. From his adorable accent, to his mature acting, this kid’s got everything.
You instantly fall in love with him and can’t help but smile the whole time he’s on the screen. Walters was chosen by director Baz Luhrmann, from his home in Western Australia.
The power portrayed by his character was simply amazing, especially for a child-actor.
Hugh Jackman. The perfect guy. Whether it’s his breathtaking acting or his enthralling accent, here is another Australia native born for the role.
It doesn’t hurt that he looks great no matter what he’s doing, where he’s going, beard or no beard. The combination of Jackman and Walters was enough to fill a theater. .
Nullah's colloquial diction adds a whole other element to the film, particularly his line, “bring dem cheeky bulls to the bloody metal ship” stands out among the rest.
Also, there is the perfect contrast of history and character focus in the movie; the movie has some factual foundation, but is also concentrated on character relationships.
There was also a good equilibrium between the more sentimental scenes, and those centered on action.
The special effects were well executed throughout the movie, whether it was during the Japanese bombing scene or the gruesome cattle stampede on the rocky mountain ledge.
From Nullah’s sweet melody to King George’s tribal chant, music was another element that made this movie the epic it was.
The only fault I found, was when Ashley escaped from the bombings without a scratch, when all her people were dying.
There have been no recent movies in theaters that I have enjoyed quite as much as this one and I would highly recommend it. If you aren’t already, you will become a fan of Jackman, Kidman, and even Walters.
Australia will keep viewers transfixed from previews to credits.
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