Australia

First of all, I would just like to say how much I love all of Baz Luhrmann's films. I have always been a fan of Moulin Rouge and Romeo and Juliet. This visionary director always puts his own personal touch on each of his films, and the finished product is always nothing short of spectacular. When I first saw the trailer for this film, I was incredibly excited to see what Luhrmann had concocted this time, and he certainly did not disappoint. 

There is one word to describe everything that this film is: Epic. It is truly epic in every sense of the word, with its vast setting, its wonderful actors, its lush costumes, and its consuming score. Coming in at just a fifteen minutes short of three hours, its also epic in length. This is truly a love letter to the grandeur of classic cinema. Luhrmann is well known for including incredible production value in each of his films, and Australia is no different. 

The film begins by telling the tale of how the white man is constantly trying to claim the land that was once owned by the indigenous aboriginal people. The young voice that is informing us of his country's history is that of Nullah, the grandson of aboriginal leader King George. After the brief history lesson, the action begins as King George is blamed for the death of a British rancher. Unbeknownst that the murdered man was her husband, Lady Sarah Ashley (played wonderfully by Nicole Kidman) travels to Australia to sell the ranch, and swiftly return to England. 

Against her original plan, however, Sarah becomes attached to the people that live on the ranch, young Nullah in particular. Nullah's mother is killed early on, and Sarah feels that she must take care of the boy, and protect him from the police of the region who set out to arrest children of his kind. He is the son of a white man and an aboriginal woman, which was an illegal act at the time. Race relations play a big part of this film, and the selfless acts of certain individuals help to prove that race is unimportant, and that every one is equal. 

When the ranch is in danger of being bought by the corrupt businessman that owns all of the ranches except Sarah's, she seeks out Drover (Hugh Jackman) to help her save her land. In order to do so, Drover, Sarah, and the inhabitants of the ranch must drive 2,000 cattle over hundreds of miles of treacherous and merciless land to Darwin. This all leads up to the imminent bombing of Darwin by the Japanese that helped initiate WWII. 

This film provides a very interesting look at the early beginnings of WWII without being a typical war movie. It is first and foremost a tale of love and compassion, with war-like violence taking the back burner. With its impressive scope and incredible detail, Australia is a wonderful film that should not be missed.

My Grade: B+

Release Date: November 26, 2008

Rating: PG-13 for some violence, a scene of sensuality, and brief strong language.

Running Time: 2 hr. 45 min.

Director: Baz Luhrmann