Ned Kelly on Blu-ray & DVD (2003)

Ned Kelly

2003

Overall rating: 3 out of 5

from 9920 members

In the latter part of the 19th century, Australia is still largely untamed. The former penal colony's first-generation Irish immigrant population lives in poverty. Having already experienced police brutality and the death of his father, bushranger Ned Kelly is wrongfully imprisoned on the trumped-up charge of stealing a horse. Emerging a few years later, in 1874, Ned is hardened but vows to stay straight. Rejoining his widowed mother and younger siblings, he makes money for his family as a champion bare-knuckle boxer. He also toils as a farmhand on the estate of an English landowner--with whose beautiful wife Ned shares a mutual attraction. But the British colonial system and its Victorian English enforcers remain prejudiced against Australia's working people, and the struggling Kelly family is no exception. When, in 1878, a bullying police officer is rebuffed by Ned's younger sister Kate and targets the family for harassment, Ned and his mother are unjustly charged with attempted murder. Ned is determined to avenge his family's name and strike back against his people's oppressors. While hiding in the bush, he forms a loyal Gang that includes his best friend Joe Byrne. When a chance encounter with the police culminates in three officers killed, the Kelly Gang is forced to go on the run. They blaze a trail through the Outback, robbing banks to fund themselves and giving police the runaround. The Kelly Gang's reputation as invincible outlaws grows, as does nationwide support from their immigrant countrymen. To the masses, Ned is a hero. To lawmen, he is the most wanted man in Australia. When the authorities bring in the formidable Superintendent Francis Hare to capture and/or kill the outlaws, Ned strategizes a risky showdown at the Glenrowan Inn. It is this event which will seal his fate--and his legend.

Ned Kelly details

Formats:	15 DVD, Blu-ray
Starring:	Orlando Bloom, Joel Egerton, Naomi Watts, Heath Ledger, Laurence Kinlan, Geoffrey Rush
Director:	Gregor Jordan
Genres:	Action/Adventure - Westerns, Drama
Studio:	UNIVERSAL PICTURES UK VIDEO RENTAL

Name	Discs
Ned Kelly	15 Feature

DVD Information

Run time:	1 hour 45 minutes
Rental release:	09 Feb 2004
Main languages:	English

Name	Discs
Ned Kelly	15 Feature

Blu-ray Information

Run time:	1 hour 45 minutes
Rental release:	26 Dec 2011
Main languages:	English

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Most helpful review Ned Kelly

One to watch

By Miles Orchard from Cardiff , 15 Feb 2004

[Highly rated reviewer]

Ned Kelly, arguably Australia's favourite son is brought back to life courtesy of Heath Ledger. Although there are the odd bits here and there that would not stand up to closer scrutiny by the historians, it really is a film worth seeing.

The film portrays Lelly in a very favourable light and even though it is a one sided account, it certainly is worth watching. Rush is cast well as the 'evil' constable.
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Downunder far west

By gianino (618 reviews) from London , 05 Jan 2013

Great cast and a super Heath Ledger make Ned Kelly a very interesting downunder western. It is nicely shot and very moving from the beginning till the end. Heath was such a hot and amazing actor and he is sadly missed.
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Disappointing (and foul) dialogue

By starky (11 reviews) from London , 02 Mar 2012

Quite disappointed! The poor and somewhat offensive dialogue diminishes the quality of the file, which is a real shame! Best to watch a documentary of Ned Kelly.
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Hard to put on film?

By sailonby (108 reviews) from Exeter , 02 Oct 2010

Peter Carey wrote a brilliant, Booker Prize-winning, account of Ned Kelly with the title 'A True Account Of The Ned Kelly Gang'. What makes the book so gripping is that Carey wrote it as though in Kelly's own words, rough punctuation and all (but with a wonderfully poetic turn of phrase).

I don't think film can match the power of Kelly's 'voice' which brings pioneering Australia vividly to life and certainly this film is a little reminiscent of over-familiar cowboy films. I agree that the film falls between the two stools of presenting the Kellys as outlaws but also as folk-heroes, whereas Carey's novel narrated by Kelly himself (but sticking closely to recorded fact) involves the reader closely with the gang.

The film is a brave attempt and enjoyable but I thoroughly recommend the book.

I should add that the film is almost ruined by dreadful over-use of background music. It barely stops and made me want to scream 'FOR GOD'S SAKE SHUT UP!'
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Very Moving

By a customer from Sussex, England , 17 Mar 2010

Story line and depth really gives strength to this film. A must see and moving/emotional tale. The strong bond and passion of this family are inspirational.
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'Ned Kelly'

By HarveyGee (78 reviews) from Newark , 15 Feb 2010

very good film and the story line very good i would reccomend this film to any one.
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