Nice Movie to Watch [*****]

AUSTRALIA
Directed by Baz Luhrmann
Starring Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, David Wenham, Bryan Brown, Jack Thompson, David Gulpilil, David Ngoombujarra, Brandon Walters

FIRST and foremost, make sure you are mentally well-rested for this movie as it is one long journey — almost three hours!

Australia, an epic romantic action adventure, is set on the brink of World War Two.

It revolves around English aristocrat Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman) who travels to Australia in search of her husband whom she believes is cheating on her.

During her journey through the breathtaking yet unforgiving terrain of Outback Australia, Sarah meets a rough cattleman, only known as “the drover” (Hugh Jackman), with whom she often finds herself at odds.
When a young orphan called Nullah (Brandon Walters), a half-aboriginal, half-Caucasian boy loses his mother, Sarah happily assumes the role.

Later, Sarah reluctantly joins forces with the drover to save Faraway Downs, the land which she inherited.

He helps her drive 1,500 cattle across Australia.

As if that isn’t enough, the Japanese, who had earlier attacked Pearl Harbour, attack Darwin.

War, cattle, action, adventure, love and romance... it seems that this movie has too much going on at times.

It is ambitious but I don’t think it will go down in movie history as a classic as it lacks a strong thread to hold it together.

Sure, there are great moments, for instance, the mass exodus of cattle stampeding through the beautiful yet brutal landscape, which is simply phenomenal, but there are also scenes which seem to have been borrowed from archives, such as the bombing of Pearl Harbour.

Despite its shortcomings, it has its pull factors, namely, its cinematography, Kidman and Jackman.

Having two famous Australian faces who have had a string of box-office hits does help.

Kidman’s portrayal of Sarah is probably her best work yet.

Even in her worst state, Sarah is a sight to behold. A pretty face compounded by a strong talent makes for a winning combination.

The scene involving her mothering Nullah is reminiscent of the late Princess Diana hugging leprosy patients. Simply moving and poignant.

With Jackman, his rugged good looks would make anyone want to be rescued by him.

There is also good chemistry between Kidman and Jackman and this help save an otherwise average outing.

Walters passes with flying colours as Nullah. He represents the child of an interracial society in which he is not accepted by any. One feels that this could be a story on its own.

All said, Australia is not a bad film. It is just way too long.

source : nstonline 26th Dec 2008