Luhrmann's near-three-hour epic, set in northern Australia shortly before WWII, finds English aristocrat Lady Sarah Ashley inheriting a sprawling cattle station, eyed by local barons looking to take over. So Lady Sarah joins forces with a stockman known only as The Drover to drive 2,000 head of cattle to market, only to then face the bombing of Darwin by the Japanese. Long and melodramatic all-things-Down-Under story is beautiful to watch, with astonishing photography, sweeping vistas, and easy-on-the-eyes leads in Kidman and Jackman, but is ultimately overwhelmed by its own grandiose ambitions (note the similarities between posters for "Australia" and "Gone With the Wind").
Baz Luhrmann has never been accused of subtlety. His gloriously romantic vision led to the charming simplicity of Strictly Ballroom, the unapologetic theatricality of Romeo Juliet, and the absolutely wonderful Moulin Rouge! I love all three of those movies. I find myself having to make excuses for his latest, Australia, ...Read More
An old fashioned epic littlesam1 at 2008-11-26 15:14:30
I have read mixed reviews on Australia. I saw it as an old fashioned epic. The kind you rarely see made today. Kidman and Jackman are wonderful. Although the scenery and special effects steal the show.