AUSTRALIA

AUSTRALIA: THE GEM FROM DOWN UNDER
Admittedly, this film will only connect with a certain audience. If you've seen Baz Luhman's work before (Romeo and Juliet, Strictly Ballroom, Moulin Rouge) you almost feel his directorial plan. The start of this film, as does Australia, comes off as cartoonish and over-acted. Baz draws the outlines for these characters and then finishes the movie coloring them in. But before you know it, everyone has calmed down and the film works its way into a dramatic rhythm. In northern Australia at the beginning of World War II, we meet an unlikely pair. The princess and the cowboy. Should you make it past Nicole Kidman's (Sarah Ashley) over acting, way over the top as a well bread English lady, what you get in return is a character who grows and learns and in the end, triumphs. Hugh Jackman (Drover) plays a typical tough guy cowboy who has little time for prissy women like Sarah. He is a man's man and wow... watch out for the shower scene! Finally, and by no means least of all, we meet the thread that brings everything and everyone together. A little Aboriginal boy called Nulla (Brandon Walters). Between the war, romance, and character development, this film is indeed epic. This is Baz's love song for the country he holds dear, as does Kidman and Jackman. It's melodic, emotional and worth every minute.
BIG BITE: No other word can describe this but epic. Epic films are meant to be watched!