Sunday, December 7, 2008

Australia (the movie) - a review

Last night the girls and I went to see Australia the new Baz Luhrmann film. The film has had more than its share of bad press but being Baz fans we just had to go. (Ellen's passion for film making was ignited by seeing Moulin Rouge when she was 11). I did have to almost force Sofie to come along as she really was not keen. Well, we all enjoyed it very much!

The good:

. The film really captures the essence of the outback - the seasons - the wet and the dry, the vastness and remoteness of the landscape.


. It is a fantastic history lesson, particularly for Australian school children. I am sure it won't be long before it is on our school curriculum. This year Sofie studied Strictly Ballroom - Baz's first film and also learnt in history about the "stolen generation". This film covers the Aboriginal culture in a very positive way. It also teaches us of the tragedy of the injustice done to them. I know my generation were not brought up to respect the Aboriginal culture but the schools now teach our children of their culture, the injustices done and to pay respect to them as the original owners of the land.

. The history lesson also covers the impact of the Japanese bombing of Darwin in 1941.

. The costumes that Nicole gets to wear! This outfit I think is my favourite:




Here is a close up of the details of the cream and navy.



Princess Poochie has done a post about the shoes. I did notice the shoes in the movie but alas no close ups!

. It was a good yarn! Almost a "western" with the droving, the goodies and the baddies and the taming of brumbies. Baz starts this film in a very comical/farcical way similar to Moulin Rouge and Strictly Ballroom but then settles down into his story. Lots of fun with men fighting and general silliness. Also some shocking bits.......remember the kangaroo scene? Not sure to laugh or cry!

. Another fun thing was seeing all our great Aussie actors - Bryan Brown, Jack Thompson, Ben Mendlesohn, David Wenhan (he is so good you really hate him)...and lots more. It is a bit like spot the actor.

. We thought Nicole was perfect for the part.

. This film is just so Aussie!

The bad:

. The only thing I would say was for me was it didn't quite drag me in. It was great to watch yet I wasn't moved to tears at any time. Yet watching the Duchess a couple of weeks ago I couldn't stop the tears - so I can be moved.

. This film is just so Aussie! (lol) Crikey!

9 comments:

Sew-4-Fun said...

Thanks for the review. I've been in two minds whether to see it or not. (I'm not a Nicole fan).

The teachers at school have already been encouraging the kids to go and see it for the history lesson. Maybe I should take them. :)

Anonymous said...

I'm anxious to see it. I AM a Nicole fan. I'm surprised you're not Belinda. On the other hand I'm NOT a Tom Cruise fan, and I think the way he treated her has made me more a fan of her! I love all things Australia, and hope to be able to visit some day.

Meg said...

But crikey, why does it have to be so long?! I love a good epic film but 2 hrs 45 min? I'd have to give up half my weekend to go see it and that's hard to fathom when you work full-time. Guess I'll wait for it on DVD.

Ann Made Studio said...

I hope to see it soon. I'm also not a big Nicole fan but am a Hugh Jackman fan :)

Sharon said...

I have also been tossing up whether to see or not and seeing it was for 2 hours I told DD that it is Gold Class or nothing, so I think I know what will be in my Xmas Stocking :)

Your review Vicki has made it a definite.

Tany said...

Thanks for the review!!!

Gretchen the Household Deity said...

Sounds like a fun movie! I'd go see it for the costumes alone.

Patricia said...

It looks like the movie is worth seeing for the costumes alone.
Nicole wears her costumes so well.
I could have watched "The Golden Compass" many times just to look those costumes on her.

Anonymous said...

This film is not a history lesson. It makes a number of significant factual errors about our history. It should not be on curriculum for school students, except maybe on how to make a "big" picture.
Check out Germaine Greer's recent review (just google it)
Kind regards
Jen