Plot machinations arise to drive a wedge between all parties as the distant drama of the war comes ever closer to their shores. Considering that this is a sunny film meant to inspire smiles, can you guess how this is going to end? I thought so.
Overall, Australia is a film to be admired. It is simply beautiful to sit back and watch, it has a scope not often seen of late, and it just really puts it all out there for the audience. However, more than the cinematography and epic nature, there is one piece of the puzzle that I was not expecting and one that allowed me to occasionally draw closer than that arm's length. That piece is Brandon Walters. This youngster in his first acting gig is charismatic on the screen, convincing in his performance, and to top it off you just have to smile when you see him. He breathes life into the film, providing the voice-over narration and bringing the heart necessary to carry the film. Very impressive performance.
As for the two leads, I like Hugh Jackman and he does an admirable job here of transplanting an old school Clint Eastwood-type character into a romantic drama. Unfortunately, Nicole Kidman doesn't do the picture any favors. I do not think she is a bad actress and she is very good at playing cold, which she does here. The problem is that her growth from icy aristocrat to a motherly type in love with a rough and tumble common man does not strike home. Her warming up never really happens and I am left not caring.
Bottom line. Not great, not awful, Australia is a middling film that looks great on the big screen but left me tired after its long running time and disinterested in a story that lacks much of the needed heart. It is worth it for Brandon Walters and the cinematography — just do not become too invested in the story.
Mildly Recommended.
Article comments
1 - DCICaroline
Whether you hated it or loved it â€" all you’ve been hearing about is Australia.
However, you may not know that this movie is merely a rip off of the classic, Tasmania: The Movie. We encourage you to skip Baz Luhrmann’s saturated interpretation of the arid Outback for the more colorful and scenic landscapes of Tasmania. Baz can’t come close to capturing the heart and soul of my favorite island.
2 - STM
I agree, and Hobart - the capital of Tassie - must rank among the world's most beautiful cities. There's bright blue expanses of water everywhere you look, and the myriad surrounding bays and hills, especially Mount Wellington, form an amazing backdrop.
Thankfully, not that many people outside Australia know about it, which has at least kept real-estate prices down.
3 - Dr Dreadful
My two enduring memories of Hobart are (of course) the Cadbury chocolate factory, and me and my mate Dan getting so bored while the girls shopped in Target that we started dressing up in Christmas tinsel and taking photos of ourselves.
But you're right, Stan - it is a pretty city; and Tasmania is a beautiful island. The flat bit reminds me of Ireland, only emptier, and the mountainous bit reminds me of Wales.
As for the movie: it was pure kitschy Baz Luhrmann for the first 20 minutes, then it just turned into a generic Hollywood epic. Brandon Walters was terrific though. But I must say that David Gulpilil, who played King George, hasn't aged well! (Perhaps it was the makeup...)
4 - STM
Doc: Places like Richmond, not far from Hobart, with its convict-built stone bridge, are like living pictures from an English chocolate box ... transplanted to the other side of the world, which is what makes it so amazing. You'd swear at first glance you were in Britain, but there are subtle differences in the natural landscape. It's truly a beautiful place.
I remember one summer in Tassie going through an old stile in a hedge row near Richmond for a picnic with my wife, where we sat in the shade on a warm summer afternoon under an oak tree in a sloping paddock that looked down over a river valley. It was the kind where you have to step up and over, to stop sheep or cows from busting through ... the first one of those I've seen outside the UK.
And of course, it was the perfect spot, because it looked just like England. They wanted it to be that way I guess.
5 - STM
But I won't be going to see the movie. I don't like Aussie movies anyway, and too many people have panned this for me to risk three-plus hours of precious time snoozing in a cinema seat.
I'm sure it's an epic, but I don't want to see it. I don't need to see the landscapes ... I've seen 'em first hand.
And what else is there in this movie that we haven't seen or heard before, apart from the young actor, who by all acounts does a sterling job?