Australia Details

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Beautiful scenery and people... and a very Mills and Boon storyline

In the film, Kidman plays a widowed English aristocrat in the 1930s, who comes to northern Australia to sell a cattle property the size of Belgium. She becomes caught in the bombing of Darwin during World War II with a drover played by Jackman.

I saw the Welsh premiere last night and both my 99 year old Nan and I thoroughly enjoyed the film. The cinematography is amazing and a great advert for the country. The audience swooned every time Hugh Jackman graced the screen and it is obvious that Baz Luhrman exploits the actor's physique and good looks for all he's worth. We loved that but many male viewers may squirm at its cheesiness.

Whilst the film did not go into as much depth as 'The Rabbit Proof Fence' regarding the stolen generation of aboriginals who were separated from their families by the government, it served as a basic introduction to the indiginous culture of the Northern Territories.

Nicole Kidman was stunning throughout and her character's love for the Drover and the talented child star Brandon Walters was very believable. It was also interesting to learn that Australia was invaded during the war.

The main failing of the film was its melodramatic storyline. Bizzarely, 'Australia' reminded me of the classic TV series 'The Wacky Races' as throughout the film, a Dick Dastardly - style baddie kept being outwitted by Lady Sarah and her team. It was almost comedic in the way that just when yet another character died and you thought she would be on the next flight home to Blighty, miraculously everything would work out for her.

4.5 Stars

After reading some of the critics slating this when it was on in the cinema I was disappointed to hear that what looked to be a good film wasn't. HOWEVER, having just finished watching it I was vindicated! I loved this film. The scenery was stunning, the story was old school Hollywood (i.e it has a story) it was full of emotion, humour and action. I don't normally like Nicole Kidman but her over the top 'Englishness' fit the character perfectly. It is 158 mins long - but didn't feel it. I have sat through far shorter films which felt far longer; this was a long film that didn't feel long at all. Well worth renting.