We've all heard that phrase--some of us are guilty of constantly saying it, at the end of an awe-inspiring, emotionally absorbing classic film, in amazement, we silently breathe those sacred, golden words: They don't make them like they used to. While that may be true to some, and ridiculously absurd to others, those who've been magnetically drawn to film's illuminating power, will walk away dazed from Baz Luhrmann's swash-buckling adventure. With the grandeur of "Gone With the Wind" and the sweeping sensation of "The Wizard of Oz," Baz Luhrmann's vibrant epic, "Australia," is a ferocious, breathtaking ode to the age of golden cinema. It's a breathtaking spectacle!
It's 1939 and World War II is slowly escalating, with troops being deployed, the British army will need a substantial supply of beef. When high maintenance, aristocratic brat Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman) gets news that her Casanovian husband is having a little too much fun deep within the sweltering lands of "Australia", without hesitation, she leaves the luxurious comforts of Britain and journeys towards her husband's dilapidated ranch. Upon arrival, she meets dashing cattle driver, Dover (Hugh Jackman), the tough guy with a sensitive spot who is subjected to Lady Ashley's peculiar customs during their lengthy drive to the ranch. Expecting to find her husband in the erotic clutches of a beautiful woman, she is horrified to find him murdered. Suspecting foul play, Nullah (Brandon Walters), the aboriginal child part of the "stolen generations" (a government program that relocated individuals of white/aboriginal descent), warns Lady Ashley of the treacherous and villainous Neil Fletcher (David Wenham), a business tycoon trying to steal her cattle. Forced to inherit her husband's labor, Lady Ashley, along with the help of Dover, Nullah, and the rest of the loyal farm hands, travel cross-country to deliver a heavy load of livestock to the British Army. Traveling along the unforgiving landscape, the group, through a constant series of events, including a kindled romance between Lady Ashley and Dover, discover that they're journey will be full of adventurous challenges.
Clocking in at nearly three hours, "Australia" may seem like a self-indulgent showcase of talent, though the same can be said about David Lean's cinematic marvel "Lawrence of Arabia," Lurhman uses luscious, illustrative techniques, that capture a gorgeous, nostalgic movie which embodies the ecstatic romance of going to the movies. Lurhman, who creates exciting, heroin induced films bursting with color and life, remains subtle in his newest melodramatic feature. Like the romantic melody of "Titanic" to the uninspiring romance of "Pearl Harbor," Luhrmann places his character in dense, apocalyptic like situations and constructs exciting--yet formulaic, scenes. While "Australia" features a passionate romance between its characters, the true romance can be found between Luhrmann and "Australia", who creates the ultimate love song that celebrates its rich, complex history.
Part western, romance, and adventure, Luhrmann's camera captures everything with detailed precision. Part of "Australia's" backdrop is it's stunning, enchanting landscape. In a scene from "Australia", Lady Ashley stands on her porch as a flock of horses rapidly swarm by; it's filmed beautifully. In some strange way, the film captures the romantic vastness of its land. This romance radiates throughout the picture, "Australia" is destined to become a classic.
Whenever you see a classic film, you get the package--the stars, the mystic lighting, the beautiful black and white--the works. This is what "Australia" creates, an epic film drowned in beautiful photography, old-fashioned costumes, and big stars. Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, both accomplished, bring a filmic presence to the screen that hasn't been seen in years. They're extraordinary. Able to hold a scene with Kidman and Jackman is newcomer Brandon Walters, who at such a young age, exhibits astonishing talent.
"Australia" is a beautiful, restless, bold feature. Those who have a tendency of consulting their cellular telephones for clock updates, will probably be frustrated by "Australia's" lengthy running time. Those who are able to get lost in its charm will be taken "Some Where Over the Rainbow," you know, that place where troubles melt like lemon drops, away above the chimney tops. Ah, the power of movies!
It's 1939 and World War II is slowly escalating, with troops being deployed, the British army will need a substantial supply of beef. When high maintenance, aristocratic brat Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman) gets news that her Casanovian husband is having a little too much fun deep within the sweltering lands of "Australia", without hesitation, she leaves the luxurious comforts of Britain and journeys towards her husband's dilapidated ranch. Upon arrival, she meets dashing cattle driver, Dover (Hugh Jackman), the tough guy with a sensitive spot who is subjected to Lady Ashley's peculiar customs during their lengthy drive to the ranch. Expecting to find her husband in the erotic clutches of a beautiful woman, she is horrified to find him murdered. Suspecting foul play, Nullah (Brandon Walters), the aboriginal child part of the "stolen generations" (a government program that relocated individuals of white/aboriginal descent), warns Lady Ashley of the treacherous and villainous Neil Fletcher (David Wenham), a business tycoon trying to steal her cattle. Forced to inherit her husband's labor, Lady Ashley, along with the help of Dover, Nullah, and the rest of the loyal farm hands, travel cross-country to deliver a heavy load of livestock to the British Army. Traveling along the unforgiving landscape, the group, through a constant series of events, including a kindled romance between Lady Ashley and Dover, discover that they're journey will be full of adventurous challenges.
Clocking in at nearly three hours, "Australia" may seem like a self-indulgent showcase of talent, though the same can be said about David Lean's cinematic marvel "Lawrence of Arabia," Lurhman uses luscious, illustrative techniques, that capture a gorgeous, nostalgic movie which embodies the ecstatic romance of going to the movies. Lurhman, who creates exciting, heroin induced films bursting with color and life, remains subtle in his newest melodramatic feature. Like the romantic melody of "Titanic" to the uninspiring romance of "Pearl Harbor," Luhrmann places his character in dense, apocalyptic like situations and constructs exciting--yet formulaic, scenes. While "Australia" features a passionate romance between its characters, the true romance can be found between Luhrmann and "Australia", who creates the ultimate love song that celebrates its rich, complex history.
Part western, romance, and adventure, Luhrmann's camera captures everything with detailed precision. Part of "Australia's" backdrop is it's stunning, enchanting landscape. In a scene from "Australia", Lady Ashley stands on her porch as a flock of horses rapidly swarm by; it's filmed beautifully. In some strange way, the film captures the romantic vastness of its land. This romance radiates throughout the picture, "Australia" is destined to become a classic.
Whenever you see a classic film, you get the package--the stars, the mystic lighting, the beautiful black and white--the works. This is what "Australia" creates, an epic film drowned in beautiful photography, old-fashioned costumes, and big stars. Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, both accomplished, bring a filmic presence to the screen that hasn't been seen in years. They're extraordinary. Able to hold a scene with Kidman and Jackman is newcomer Brandon Walters, who at such a young age, exhibits astonishing talent.
"Australia" is a beautiful, restless, bold feature. Those who have a tendency of consulting their cellular telephones for clock updates, will probably be frustrated by "Australia's" lengthy running time. Those who are able to get lost in its charm will be taken "Some Where Over the Rainbow," you know, that place where troubles melt like lemon drops, away above the chimney tops. Ah, the power of movies!