Movie Review: Australia

This movie was two things: incredibly long and absolutely amazing. Depending on which of those things interests you more will determine your own outcome of this movie. People I know who (I thought) would generally like the movie didn't like it for the main reason stated above. It's nearly 3 hours. To be honest, Stefan and I watched it in 1 hour increments over three days, and each day we were more excited to see it! This movie stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, and Brandon Walters as Nullah.

I was first told about it from my mom, who actually has very similar film tastes as I do, and she said it was really good...end of discussion. When I found out Baz Lurhmann directed it, I knew I had to see it! (Baz Lurhmann also directed Romeo + Juliet with Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio and Moulin Rouge! with Nicole Kidman) He is one of my favorite directors and a celebrity in the movie world that I will go out of my way to see.

The plot of the movie is that Sarah Ashley (Kidman) wants to continue her husband's legacy by striking a deal with the head of the army and making money from the 1,500 head of cattle to fix up the station, Faraway Downs, set in the Australian outback. She meets The Drover (Jackman) to do the job, and they employ and befriend the local aborigine child, Nullah, loving him as their own son later on in the movie.

With twists and turns that are unpredictable (and a few spots when you think the movie will finally end!), comedy, romance, action, and historical fiction (the movie is set during WWII and its affects once Japan bombs Darwin, Australia), this movie literally has it all, including artistic and aesthetic integrity. One of my favorite parts of the movie is the recurring song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" played on the harmonica by Nullah, and through the fog is not only very touching but an absolutely beautiful example of excellent cinematography!
Stefan an d I both loved it, and give it 5 out of 5 stars and by far the best movie we've seen in awhile!
If you can outlast the time or stretch it out over a few days, I say, watch this movie!

Read more about the movie here.

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