Australia DVD Review

March 3rd, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment delivered the romantic action-adventure DVD movie release Australia, set in a country on the brink of war, at the time of World War II. The film is directed by Australian and Academy Award nominee Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge, Romeo + Juliet) and stars Oscar winner Nicole Kidman (Moulin Rouge, The Hours) and Golden Globe nominee Hugh Jackman (X-men Trilogy, The Prestige).

Lady Sarah Ashley (Kidman) is an English aristocrat who travels to the faraway continent of Australia to take over the sprawling cattle ranch she inherited from her late husband. After her arrival, Sarah meets a rough local called Drover (Jackman). This epic adventure begins with the two traversing the long northern terrritory of Australia with their loyal companions, including a young Aboriginal boy, Nullah (Brandon Walters), that Sarah takes in after his mother dies.

Australia is true to its name as the aforementioned stars and makers of the movie are joined by supporting players and fellow Aussies David Wenham (Lord of the Rings: Return of the King), Jack Thompson (Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil), Bryan Brown (Along Came Polly), and the young Walters, making his feature film debut.

The first challenge faced by Sarah and Drover is to get their 2,000 head of cattle across hundreds of miles to deliver them for sale. Not only do they have to manage the rough terrain, they also must deal with the hardships created by thugs from the King Carney company who are trying to outdo the ambitious ranchers. Then, they must face the turmoil caused by Japanese bombers that hit Pearl Harbor then headed for northern Australia. Sarah, Drover, and Nullah must endure prejudice, ruthlessness, and their own emotions to survive.

Australia has received some mixed reviews from the popular press although it has been well-received by the consumer audience. The many elements of the film make it difficult to fully assess its value as an epic (2:45 long) adventure. Perhaps the most impressive factor comes from the amazing visual components that highlight the beauty of the outback. The cinematography is superb.

Some of the initial scenes in the movie can best be described as a bit goofy. In fact, the first 30 minutes or so presents more like an awkward comedy than an epic drama. There are a few transition points in the film that are also interestingly placed and developed. Ultimately, despite some oddities, Australia does offer a compelling story. Jackman is great, Kidman is fine, though not in her best role.

Grade: B

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, Brandon Walters, David Wenham, Jack Thompson, Bryan Brown
Director: Baz Luhrmann

Reviewed by Neil