Well how does one sum up a 155 minute movie into a review without giving away to much or leaving something out? I honestly would like to say I really enjoyed this movie. Even though it was a true love story at heart, it brings so much to the screen, its a must see!
Baz Luhrmann’s Australia is on its way to becoming an epic movie. Well lets not go that far. The imagery, the direction, the acting is on par with an epic movie. I just don’t think the advertising and publicity has been done well. Ninety percent of the folks in my office have never even heard of it. The 10 percent that has, have no idea what it’s about.
The film itself, much like Luhrmann’s other films, has very a vibrant hue to it. The color, the set pieces and even Kidman’s eyes stand out in this film.The imagery in this film has you from the start. Every actor in the film stands out against a beautiful background of raw Australia (as evidence by the photos below).
At the heart of this film, we see a struggle for acceptance, a strong love, heart break and loss. What else encompasses a great film? Jackman and Kidman have a bond on screen like I haven’t seen in a while. They meld together like they were meant for each other.The story follows Kidman, who is leaving her home in mother England to travel to check in on her husband in Australia. Her husband is working on securing a piece of land for cattle that they in turn will sell to the army for food. The story progresses through ups and downs and ins and outs. The struggle for equality between the aborigines and the whites. The struggle between love and hate and so much more.
Jackman is a “drover”; a herder of animals, and loves not being tied down. Evident by how he acts in the opening scenes (see bar fight photo above). Kidman is a snobby woman who doesn’t fit in by any meaning of the word. The two are paired together on purpose from the beginning and we find a bond grow quickly.
Throughout the film the bond between people is strengthened and torn apart by differing circumstances. All the while lending itself to the “epic movie” genre.
This movie is not for everyone weighing in with such a long cut, but I would recommend this to everyone. A true love story told with many a twists and turns, only to come back around to one thing..love!
Rating: 
Question for those who might know: Why is the 2nd photo CGI, video game graphics? Is the film shot in that way at certain points, or was it just a promo device?
Interesting.
Are you talking about Australia or what this comment for something else? Either way, Australia had no CGI that I was able to garner from watching it. It was gorgeous looking throughout.
I agree that the scenery was beautiful and the main actors were wonderful but (spoiler) after they did get the cows there first I think the movie should’ve just ended. After that moment the movie just seemed to drag out for me, I just kept waiting for it to end as scene after scene that would’ve been a fine closure still went on. It was pointed out to me that they just kept trying to make you cry and I just couldn’t believe it enough to feel anything. If you cut out the last hour I think this movie would’ve been better, atleast for me, but with the plot of racing cows so that they could be butchered to feed the army…
great movie. like gone with the wind in oz.
I think it’s a great movie.
I enjoy watching it and I actually cried in the end of it.
It’s the kind of movie which haunts you after seeing.
Nice movie! Love it!