Australia becomes homeland's second biggest hit

Baz Luhrmann's World War II epic Australia has become the the country's second highest grossing film of all time - despite the picture receiving a string of negative reviews.

The Moulin Rouge! director spent four years and £87.6 million on the homage to his homeland - which stars Aussie actors Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman.

But the high profile stars and huge budget failed to impress film experts - who gave the movie a lukewarm reception upon its release last November (08).

However, the negative press failed to discourage consumers heading to theatres across Australia - putting it just behind Crocodile Dundee as the country's second biggest earning movie, taking in A$36,786,730 (£16,596,280).

Twentieth Century Fox representative Marc Wooldridge says, "The on-going box office success of Australia has been outstanding, and a unique testament to the way the film has been embraced by this country."

Australia has grossed almost £142 million worldwide to date.

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