"Lengthy but immensely enjoyable epic to round off 2008 with comedy, passion, action, drama and stunning landscapes."

One word neatly describes kitsch-loving director Baz Luhrmann’s new romantic action-adventure epic: fun. In fact, if fun is on the menu for one final 2008 cinema outing, combined with a need for some sizzling passion and sentimentality in epic proportions, then Australia is a must-see to round off the year. Ignore the length (yes, it’s long and has more red-herring endings than the most complex of crime thrillers), and simply allow the film-maker to take you on a faraway journey and into another time for some good old-fashioned storytelling. Who cares if it swipes elements from Out of Africa, Pearl Harbour, Indiana Jones and even City Slickers? The stunning scenery, action-packed and aerial-panning shots, highly comical ‘panto’ performances, and unashamedly lingering Hugh Jackman torso shots more than compensate for Luhrmann’s excessive indulgence and pride for making a movie about his beloved homeland.

Australian actors Nicole Kidman as perfectionist English aristocrat, Lady Sarah Ashley, and Hugh Jackman as rugged cattleman, Drover, revel in their roles, bringing an ease and unique cultural charm to the proceedings - even if this critic could not get American actress Renée Zellweger playing English prissiness out of her head, whilst watching Kidman’s opening scenes in the truck. Kidman adds real feminine strength, compassion and comedy to her character, helping to build on the brewing sexual friction between Lady Ashley and Drover. Jackman, quite literally, leaves you breathless with a tanned physique to feast on that would give any younger player a run for his money. Their relationship is that wonderful time-old affair of classes divided, but love conquering all. That said it is the characters’ denial and petty games that are the most exhilarating moments to watch in the turbulent relationship, rather than the schmaltz-and-Edam in the final part that will prompt groans of incredulity (and/or pain): cue fog, cue hero, Drover, striding through it to his lost love. Depends on how cynical you plan to be, but this moment is either teeth-grindingly unbearable, or a brilliantly clichéd send-up - this critic leans towards the latter, considering in the picture (and director) as a whole.

The Australian localised knowledge and mannerisms would not have been fully apparent had an indigenous cast not been involved. And there is no adventure without the archetypal baddies, which are commendably provided by fellow countrymen Bryan Brown as ruthless King Carney, and LOTR favourite, David Wenham as deranged Neil Fletcher. Also, look out for Luhrmann heavyweights from the days of Strictly Ballroom, as Barry Otto plays Administrator Allsop, and Bill Hunter is Skipper. Although the Ashley-Drover love story is always in full, neurotic swing, it’s newcomer, little Brandon Walters as mixed-race (’Creamy’) Aborigine boy, Nullah, who ultimately steals the show from the leads, right down to the very last scenes.

With comedy, passion, action, drama and stunning landscapes, this enjoyable epic might be that unusual blend of storytelling that can entertain all members of the family in the festive season…

Synopsis

An epic and romantic action adventure, set in that country on the explosive brink of World War II. In it, an English aristocrat (Kidman) travels to the faraway continent where she meets a rough-hewn local (Jackman) and reluctantly agrees to join forces with him to save the land she inherited. Together, they embark upon a transforming journey across hundreds of miles of the world’s most beautiful yet unforgiving terrain, only to face the bombing of the city of Darwin by the Japanese forces that attacked Pearl Harbor . With his new film, Luhrmann is painting on a vast canvas, creating a cinematic experience that brings together romance, drama, adventure and spectacle.

Film Facts

Official UK site: http://www.australiamovie.co.uk/

UK Release Date: 26th December 2008

Director: Baz Luhrmann

Writers: Baz Luhrmann, Stuart Beattie

Cast: Nicole Kidman (‘Lady Sarah Ashley’), Hugh Jackman (’Drover’), Bryan Brown (‘King Carney’), David Wenham (‘Neil Fletcher’), Bill Hunter (‘Skipper’), Barry Otto (‘Administrator Allsop’), Brandon Walters (’Nullah’)

UK Distributor: 20th Century Fox

Certificate: 12A

Run-time: 155 mins

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