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In true, epic-like proportions a la “Out of Africa” and “Gone with the Wind” comes a movie almost as large as the land it shares its name with. The movie offers up more of a “Gone with the Wind” parallel than anything else. Both feature a scruffy male lead with Hugh Jackman here (Clark Gable in “Gone with the Wind”), a leading lady of upper-class nobility, Nicole Kidman (Vivien Leigh in the 1939 classic), and both movies have a major war as a backdrop (the Civil War in “GWTW”).
And like that classic, “Australia” starts out in 1939 at the dawn of World War II in the Pacific theater. As a fan of history, I have to admit a touch of ignorance when it came to the empire of Japan extending its rising sun to the land of Oz. But war is but one sidebar to the multiple stories going on, which explains the almost three-hour length of this movie.
There’s Lady Sarah Ashley (Kidman) from England on her way down to Australia to check on her husband and why their fortune connected to the property known as Faraway Downs has all but disappeared. Won’t give that subplot away, but then there are the seedy characters responsible for that.
“Australia” is narrated by Nullah (Brandon Walters), the child of a white man and an aboriginal woman. He’s at the heart of an ethnic cleansing of sorts and yet another part of the epic puzzle that brings together Lady Ashley and The Drover (Jackman). He’s the scrappy gent reminiscent of Rhett Butler, but instead heads a rag-tag group on a quest courtesy of Lady Ashley. She has to get her cattle to market to sell, which is the story that yep, ignites the passion between the two main leads. Not at first mind you; he’s more the hired hand. Jackman may have shed his wolverine claws, but his determination is still present. It’s just a matter of time before Lady Ashley caves in. Hearing their true Aussie accents come out must have been a relief, not having to hire voice coaches for authenticity.
It’s not too difficult to make comparisons to some other classic movies in addition to the ones already mentioned. Jackman’ s character mirrors that of John Wayne’s Rooster Cogburn (from the 1975 movie of the same name). In the lead female role is the older version of Lady Ashley played by Katharine Hepburn. Director (and co-writer) Baz Luhrmann is hoping that lightning strikes twice. He directed Kidman in the successful “Moulin Rouge” (2001) in which she was nominated for an Oscar in the Best Actress category (she would win the following year in “The Hours”).
“Australia” is a bit long, clocking in at just under three hours, but then again it is a production. The movie pays homage to the classic romantic films from an era long gone, and director Luhrmann does his continent justice, albeit a little on the sentimental side. It’s interesting to note that Jackman wasn’t the director’s first choice. He wanted fellow Aussie Russell Crowe, but balked when he found out what the studio offered him in the form of compensation, so Jackman stepped in.
It is ironic because Jackman may get the last laugh having been voted sexiest man alive in People magazine, giving “Australia” even more of a reason for women to see it.
— Howie Nave is host/manager of The Improv comedy club inside Harveys and reviews films for seven radio stations throughout northern California and Nevada, including Sirius Radio. He is host of “Howie’s Morning Rush” on Tahoe’s KRLT radio, and you can see his film reviews on “Howie’s Late Night Rush” at midnight Monday through Friday on RSN. For past reviews, blogs, and audio clips, visit www.HowieNave.com.
And like that classic, “Australia” starts out in 1939 at the dawn of World War II in the Pacific theater. As a fan of history, I have to admit a touch of ignorance when it came to the empire of Japan extending its rising sun to the land of Oz. But war is but one sidebar to the multiple stories going on, which explains the almost three-hour length of this movie.
There’s Lady Sarah Ashley (Kidman) from England on her way down to Australia to check on her husband and why their fortune connected to the property known as Faraway Downs has all but disappeared. Won’t give that subplot away, but then there are the seedy characters responsible for that.
“Australia” is narrated by Nullah (Brandon Walters), the child of a white man and an aboriginal woman. He’s at the heart of an ethnic cleansing of sorts and yet another part of the epic puzzle that brings together Lady Ashley and The Drover (Jackman). He’s the scrappy gent reminiscent of Rhett Butler, but instead heads a rag-tag group on a quest courtesy of Lady Ashley. She has to get her cattle to market to sell, which is the story that yep, ignites the passion between the two main leads. Not at first mind you; he’s more the hired hand. Jackman may have shed his wolverine claws, but his determination is still present. It’s just a matter of time before Lady Ashley caves in. Hearing their true Aussie accents come out must have been a relief, not having to hire voice coaches for authenticity.
It’s not too difficult to make comparisons to some other classic movies in addition to the ones already mentioned. Jackman’ s character mirrors that of John Wayne’s Rooster Cogburn (from the 1975 movie of the same name). In the lead female role is the older version of Lady Ashley played by Katharine Hepburn. Director (and co-writer) Baz Luhrmann is hoping that lightning strikes twice. He directed Kidman in the successful “Moulin Rouge” (2001) in which she was nominated for an Oscar in the Best Actress category (she would win the following year in “The Hours”).
“Australia” is a bit long, clocking in at just under three hours, but then again it is a production. The movie pays homage to the classic romantic films from an era long gone, and director Luhrmann does his continent justice, albeit a little on the sentimental side. It’s interesting to note that Jackman wasn’t the director’s first choice. He wanted fellow Aussie Russell Crowe, but balked when he found out what the studio offered him in the form of compensation, so Jackman stepped in.
It is ironic because Jackman may get the last laugh having been voted sexiest man alive in People magazine, giving “Australia” even more of a reason for women to see it.
— Howie Nave is host/manager of The Improv comedy club inside Harveys and reviews films for seven radio stations throughout northern California and Nevada, including Sirius Radio. He is host of “Howie’s Morning Rush” on Tahoe’s KRLT radio, and you can see his film reviews on “Howie’s Late Night Rush” at midnight Monday through Friday on RSN. For past reviews, blogs, and audio clips, visit www.HowieNave.com.
Keepin' it Reel
Now Playing: “Australia”Starring: Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, David Wenham, Bryan Brown, Jack Thompson
Directed by: Baz Luhrmann
Rated: PG-13 for some violence, a scene of sensuality and brief, strong language.
Running Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Howie gives it: 3 out of 5 bagels
