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AUSTRALIA

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, David Wenham, Bryan Brown, Jack Thompson, David Gulpilil, and Brandon Walters

Written and Directed by: Baz Luhrmann

Rated PG-13

By John Delia

At last, a true front-runner for the best motion picture Oscar for 2008, Australia. Filled with an emotional storyline, magnificent acting and cinematic grandeur the nearly three-hour film is marvelous yet untiring. If you like impressive period films that entertain, then Australia is your cup of tea.
Lady Sarah Ashley (Kidman) a British aristocrat goes to Australia to meet with her husband who has been working their ranch Faraway Downs. Arriving in 1939 with the South Pacific in turmoil over a possible world at war, she sets out to the backcountry with Drover (Jackman) hired by her husband to take her to the ranch. She arrives at Faraway Downs after a long a dusty trip and finds that her husband has been murdered. Torn by the news, and offered a shady deal for her land, Lady Ashley’s strength starts to dwindle. In one last effort to save her property, Lady Ashley, together, with Drover, a rag tag group of volunteers and a young half-cast boy Nullah (Walters) try to move 2000 cattle over undeveloped territory to the port city of Darwin. After a hazardous journey during which they face many hardships Lady Ashley arrives at her destination only to face even greater peril.
Although the love story was not as emotional as I would have liked, Kidman and Jackman have a great chemistry together in their portrayal of the tormented couple that choose to fight off their adversaries in an attempt to bring order to their lives. Getting into some very testy situations, the two prove their acting skills with excellent character development much like Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn in African Queen.
I loved the touch by Director Luhrmann of working with an all-Australian starring cast that is brilliant in their roles. The casting of Walters in the pivotal role of Nullah is also brilliant. The boy has the emotion and charisma needed to make the center of this tale plausible and sensational. His presence in the film shows the segregation of the half white, half black children that were taken out of society much like the ones depicted in Rabbit Proof Fence.
Direction by Luhrmann of the epic period piece is award winning. Dealing with hundreds of cast members and numerous scenes that require that extra effort, Luhrmann turns in a masterpiece that will last for years to come. Luhrmann who gave us Moulin Rouge!, Romeo + Juliet and Strictly Ballroom provides a film nearly equal to David Lean’s Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago, A Passage to India and The Bridge on the River Kwai.
Cinematographer Mandy Walker creates an amazing backdrop for the saga that runs nearly three hours long. Focused on the bleak wilderness, unforgiving terrain and explosive attacks, yet intertwining a touch of beauty with softened highlights, the dramatic photography provides a poignant landscape for the dramatic storyline. Costumes by Catherine Martin are perfect for the period. I especially liked Kidman’s attire throughout the film.
The film has been rated PG-13 and contains violence, language, and a scene of sensuality so please be cautioned when deciding to bring youngsters to see the film.

FINAL ANALYSIS: Australia imparts a dramatic and visual satisfying film with magnificent acting and directing. (5 of 5 stars)