Review of Australia (2008) by Casselise R — 18 Apr 2011

A suffocating pile of overplayed, cliched, predictable garbage; and I am an Australian.

I believe that some critics are too harsh on movies that have had an unrealistic amount of hype, as no movie could ever live up to some of the publicity it receives before it is released. However, I don' think it would have made a difference when it comes to this film.

It is with heavy heart that I, after much anticipation, tell you that I was more than a little disappointed with this Epic Australian film. The formula was way too 'American', traditional Hollywood storyline like any other epic love/war story with a good guy, a bad guy, a hero et etc etc.

I was expecting more from Baz Luhrmann, as I have never been disappointed with any of his films and, like Quinten Tarintino, he has a specific and very identifiable style. So it is with great infuriation that I say that there are no traditional 'Luhrmann' trademarks here. Just a massive, over budget epic with a very predictable storyline. I also felt that Nicole Kidman was miscast, as she played the English rose way too icily, even toward the end when she is supposed to have warmed up. I couldn' have cared if her character got in the way of a grenade.

Hugh Jackman did a particularly good job playing the drover, although his chemistry with Kidman is virtually nonexistent. There was a stolen generation storyline tied into the main plot, which was a nice touch but was also way overplayed and was relied on too heavily to tug at the heartstrings.

There is also a cringe worthy, borderline 'crocodile dundee' moment at the start of the film in which a Kangaroo hopping alongside a moving car is lassoed onto the roof. Not a great way to set the tone for a film that is supposed to be tortured and dramatic, and does not do our country any favours when it comes to dispelling the ridiculous stereotypes we are known for abroad.

One promising thing to behold of this film, is the strong performance of Brandon Walters who plays Aboriginal child Nullah. Considering his age, and the company he was in, he did extremely well.

I have no doubt that many Australians may look past all this, and try to remain positive about the films story. USA and many other counties may also appreciate the film as they can watch from afar. However, as an Australian, I found it a little too cliche stereotypical & predictable - Not to mention, ridiculously long!

In order to show case the beauty of Australia, a unique country with a unique story, you need a unique formula and Australia doesn' have it.

RECOMMENDATIONS.

WATCH IT IF YOU LIKED: Pearl Harbour.

CHILDREN: No, there are a few incidents involving animals, as well as the general war violence, minor sex scenes etc.

RELIGION: Aboriginals may be offended as the film does contain the footage and names of people that have passed away. Otherwise should be fine.