Australia [DVD] [2008]

I did not see this in theatres on release as the trailers made it look like a big, overly wrought romance... a la Gone with the Wind meets Cimarron and not my cup of tea. Nor am I a fan of Nicole Kidman, so no appeal there. And when I finally saw it, I found it nothing like I expected nor was it much like many of the other reviewers have portrayed. Yes, it used broad, almost stereo-typed characters to carry the "Anglo" story line, and yes, there were actions in the movie that required the "willing suspension of disbelief"; that hardly seems unusual.However, the thing that made the movie unusual in a most positive way was the telling of the story from the point of view of the racially-mixed "outcast" little boy, Nullah. This introduced an entirely different point of view, signficantly, at least for Americans, of the characters and the story line. While I do not pretend to know much about aboriginal culture, the concepts and importance of "singing" and "stories" were presented sufficiently well to open up the ideas to the large portion of the American audience which likely is unfamiliar with this. A number of strong and appealing cultural ideas were referenced or illustrated either in the dialog / actions of the aboriginal characters or occasionally the brief comments of "The Drover": the geographical mapping of the aborigines through "singing" (music); the importance of one's story and how one connects to the "tribe" / ancestors / universe through "singing" (stories). In fact, the word "sing" as used by Nullah and The Drover in the movie clearly has a richer meaning in this aboriginal context, one which cannot easily be translated directly into American English and which is worth exploring.I thought Jackman did well in a role that called for a man's man--in American movies cowboys are not too chatty, either...men of action, mostly defined by showing up and doing, so I remain puzzled that other reviewers thought Jackman was too silent. However, the actors that stole the show were the aboriginal actors. Uncle George was marvelous and mystical throughout--totally elegant, grounded, and convincing as the shaman "singing" (guiding with knowledge) his charges through the desert. The Drover's brother-in-law was excellent, playing his role with a quiet dignity.But this movie was Nullah's story, from beginning to end, and the beautiful Brandon Walters is a revelation as to what a pure talent can produce when given the right chance; for that we can thank Mr. Luhrmann's effort to get that key role right. I do not know who actually did the singing (humming, chanting) which seemed to eminate from Nullah--if it was dubbed or done by Brandon Walters. But this movie has indelibly burned in my mind the earnest, trusting face with huge brown eyes in and the pure, musical tones of the child-mystic when Nullah utters this simple line (and variations on it): "I sing you to me." For this line alone, whether taken as a simple plot facilitator or as a greater metaphor, I would see this movie again and again.

Version on the DVD is the same as what was shown on TV. I think it is a good movie.

I'm a sucker for sweeping epic, romantic, drama-ridden, war movies. This makes me easy prey for the seduction of "Australia". Set amid the dramatic backdrop of the world's largest island, the movie centers around Lady Sarah Ashley (played by Nicole Kidman whom I have a special attatchment to for thanks to her husband) and her cattle herder known as "The Drover" (played by the masculine Hugh Jackman). As Sarah tries to take over her dead husband's ranch in the outback, she is met with numerous obstacles including a corrupt cattle king who is seeking to monopolize the cattle industry, and her ranch manager who is secretly working for her opponent. I must say that David Wenham, who plays her traitor manager, does very poorly at his role. He's just too apparantely evil and sniveling. He was much better in 300. But anyways, Sarah must enlist the help of the Drover if her ranch is ever to survive and soon an improbable romance is ignited. But the gem that really sparkles in this film is the little aboriginal boy that Sarah decides to adopt in order to keep him safe from the government who exports the "half cast" children. But when the Japanese who bombed Pearl Harbor stage an air raid on Darwin, their worlds are all torn apart. I won't say any more because I don't want to ruin it for you. The ending is a little cliche but overall it was a good story. The two leads do a fantastic job together. I was especially impressed with Kidman who lended both humour and pathos to her role. The score was very good, using Over the Rainbow as one of its themes. The cinematography was stunning and effective. Even though it runs almost three hours long, I would encourage you to see it to form an opinion for yourself. You may not be blown away like I was. But then again, with its sweeping beauty, thrill, and emotion...well you just might be.

I loved this film. It had me laughing and crying, and on the edge of my seat. The cinematography was beautifully done. Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman were simply amazing in this movie.