Australia

This movie made me: Entertained and Affected

If nothing else, Baz Luhrmann’s Australia will make you reminiscent of the films of yesteryear. Old-fashioned epic-ness is everywhere in Australia. The film never reaches these heights, of course, but it’s nice to get swept away by its unabashed romanticism and scope.

The film is a fairy tale that takes place in a faraway land called Oz. Just as WWII breaks out, Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman) finds herself transported from England to the outback when she inherits her husband’s sprawling ranch. It is not a match made in heaven; Sarah is so stiff and British she carries a riding crop with her most of the time. And the natives aren’t exactly welcoming – ranch hand Fletcher (David Wenham) is working with the major Australian power in cattle herding to force Sarah out of business, and the drover she hires to help her (Hugh Jackman) can’t stand the sight of her. But as they work together to save the ranch and its inhabitants and as the Japanese begin to invade, Sarah and the drover must fight to prove that love can conqueror all.

Like Luhrmann’s other films, Australia starts at a breakneck pace – but without the flashing lights. It’s an odd absence, but it works. The film is definitely epic – the sets, costumes and cinematography are not to be beat. But despite valiant efforts, Luhrmann cannot muster the same devastating resonance that made Moulin Rouge! so effective. The audience knows Sarah and the drover are meant for each other, so it’s almost as if the filmmakers figured there’s no point in creating truly compelling characters.

But thanks to strong performances, the film is deeply emotional. The Drover is an Australian Rhett Butler, and with his rugged adventurous personality and intense emotionality Jackman is more than qualified to fill Clark Gable’s shoes. Kidman moves from side-splittingly funny to desperately earnest with ease. She is never more compelling than in her scenes with newcomer Brandon Walters. As a mixed-blood Aborigine child, Walters gives the film its heart. With his wide, dark eyes and endless enthusiasm, it’s very difficult not to fall in love with him.

There’s an element of magic realism that sets it apart from other epics. Filled with musical references to “Over the Rainbow,” classical and Aboriginal music, the importance of music becomes an active part of the film – bringing this world to something other than reality. There’s no denying its pure entertainment. Australia is an experience unlike any other you’ll see this year.