'Australia' a mesmerizing visual feast
Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman are elated their new movie is so good.
A frenzy of whimsy, adventure, mystery, magic, corruption, drama, love, sex, tragedy and war mesmerized me while visiting the wonderful land of "Oz" the other night. That is, the land of Australia, created by director Baz Luhrmann. You didn't think I was referring to the Wizard of Oz, did you?
Australia, starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, is a stunning epic set in Northern Australia in 1939, prior to World War II. Kidman, as "Lady Sarah Ashley," an English aristocrat, travels to Australia in order to settle things on her late husband's bleak cattle ranch. She soon discovers that the men running the ranch in her husband's absence are shady cattle moguls out to steal her land and 2,000 cattle. These jerkfaces aim to completely monopolize the beef business — making her ranch obsolete. After meeting a mysterious aboriginal boy living on the ranch named "Nullah," played by 11-year-old Brandon Walters, Kidman sees the moguls for the sleaze balls they are, and decides to save the ranch. With the help of sweet little "Nullah," a riff raff group of her ranch staff, and a rough 'n' tumble cattle drover (cleverly called "Drover"), played by Jackman, she dares to drive the cattle hundreds of miles, across the most dangerous parts of the land to sell the cattle and revive the ranch.
Baz Luhrmann = quality cinema
Now, I didn't see the movie because of the storyline. Honestly, I couldn't wait to see it and really didn't know the plot at all. I went to see Australia because of its director, Luhrmann. He's directed some of my most beloved movies, Romeo + Juliet (1996) and Moulin Rouge! (2001), so I knew there was a pretty good chance that I would fall for this flick as well. Suffice it to say, I did.
Australia is a visual feast — filmed in a glamorous, retro style that adds a surreal charm to the movie. The characters were passionate and endearing — particularly, "Nullah." He is one of the most gorgeous, irresistible little boys I've ever seen, and an amazing actor. As narrator and major character, he adds a great deal of heart to the thrilling story. This child is so ridiculously cute that I was gripping my seat, squealing anytime his life was remotely in danger — which was often. I'm not inclined to having children but I would adopt that little fella in a heartbeat.
Anywho. Precious kids aside, I also adored the romance, action and magical aspects of the movie. With the danger of the cattle drive situation and looming war, my movie-viewing partner and I were gripping our seats in suspense for most of the flick. I slid progressively lower in my seat as the lives of the three main characters were increasingly threatened. Woven amongst their adventures was an ardent love affair between Kidman and Jackman. With nothing and everything in common, the two bicker like crazy but create an unstoppable duo. Really, I don't see how any woman alive wouldn't fall for People Magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive." He's built like a god and he's forty, for goodness sake. This movie definitely plays off of his assets, ladies — my, my… let's just say, to cover his bod, is a crime.
Oh, did I mention there's a witch doctor?
A must see
Either way you hack it, seeing this movie is a must. I would be surprised and angry if it didn't win some major awards this year — for acting, cinematography and its story overall. Be forewarned: it is a three-hour long show (not an average 2nd date outing). It's a worthy investment of time and money. It's pretty far and few between that a movie can keep you hooked for that long, eh?
Go to the land of Oz. You won't be disappointed unless, well, you have terrible taste. Just kidding.
Lauren Oosterlinck is a graphic designer, fashion photographer, writer and artist extraordinaire. By her own admission, she skips 'n' dances (in girly leopard-print flats) to her very own (quirky) beats. Lauren adores anything silly, smart, sweet, sophisticated, sassy, sincere, swanky, soulful, swirly, or Sufjan (Stevens). She absolutely hates sarcasm. For more Lauren, visit Le Faire Chic and laisallyouneed.com.
this review reads like a book report
PS thanks for giving away the entire movie
My problem was the the movie climaxed halfway through with some daring, cattle droving. This made the last hour and a half just drag endlessly on while I got to hear modern values superimposed over what was supposed to be a period piece.
mark - agreed on the climax. i just didn't feel like it dragged on. it was supposed to be a period piece, yeah - but every movie has to pick a side/tone in some way.
rachel - let's see one of your reviews … and, honestly, i don't give away any more about the movie than any of the previews.
I plan to see this, but I have seen the big reviewers give it pretty low marks. The cinematography looks beautiful but I am afraid that a lot of the parts aren't true to history (when they easily could have been).
HAHA
yeah i totally remember "nullah" from the previews
i don't go see Luhrmann's movies looking for a historical accuracy, haha.
I totally agree with Rachel… gave it away.
The two main characters fall in love and overcome adversity to accomplish their goals? I'm shocked! HOW COULD YOU REVEAL THIS INFORMATION?
Seriously, this review doesn't give away anything and even if it did, a movie that lives or dies on whether or not you know in advance what's going to happen is one to avoid anyway.
that's not what i said.
For years and years Australians have treated their native people as if they were subhuman. In this movie they are endowed with god-like qualities, as Ebert so kindly points out.
In my opinion that's pretty non-PC and I have issues with it. The film has also reportedly been chock-full of racial stereotyping. That's all I'm saying.
You wrote a review. It's an opinion. People are going to disagree.
And for people who think she "gave it away," most reviews give away information. If you don't like the amount of information this author reveals then I suggest avoiding her future reviews.
Wendy - I really enjoyed this movie and I think would too. Don't be dismayed by the non-pc stuff you're hearing. The movie plays very much like a fable; like having a storybook read to you, so you make allowances for the "magical". It adds to the beauty and charm. The "god-like qualities" are limited to two characters, not the whole native population. I really feel you would find the depiction of the white society's treatment of the native people, pretty accurate. But the filmmaker's view is compassionate and respectful, neither demeaning or sentimentally patronizing. I did not notice stereotypes, especially not rampant ones. When you can, check it out! I'd love to hear your impressions.
I plan to see the movie, no fears. I was just backing up the non-historical claim. I'm all for fable, but when you have a chance to make it more realistic I prefer it, that's all! :D
i was never expecting everyone to agree with this or any of my other articles. obviously, what i said is open for personal interpretation - it's just my point of view.
i appreciate everyone who took the time to read this and for the constructive comments!
oh, just watched this 'artist 2 artist' on myspace with hugh and baz talking about filming the movie! it's fun and interesting (and doesn't give away anything substantial).
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