Review- Australia

Australia is a sweeping romantic epic set against a dramatic historical moment in similar vane to Casablanca and Titanic. The actual country serves as a fantastic aesthetic background. The landscapes are absolutely stunning. The filmmakers used a number of motifs and themes in a very creative fashion. Using traditional Australian aboriginal beliefs, the filmmakers depicted dreams and storytelling as a way that connect people of varying races and beliefs. They also uprooted the romanticized western world and superimposed it over Australia's own "Wild West" period.

The movie occasionally pays homage to the classic '30s pulp fiction a la Doc Savage. The whimsical, humorous nature of the homage seems to be a strength, a weakness, and a crutch all at the same time. The homage creates a vision for the movie of heroic champions and a golden Western color scheme, something recognizable that sets up the audience for the tone of the movie. Unfortunately, the beginning is also too cliche and tongue in cheek at first. Kidman's fish-out-of-water experience and Jackman's over-machismo, shotgun-punch hero lend to some overacting early on in the first act. This is probably done as a crutch to lesson the boredom of getting introduced to all the characters and settings, but at times feels a little awkward and forced. Thankfully, the movie itself eventually gets legs and grabs your interest for that time on.

Jackman and Kidman have great chemistry and make you believe that opposites definitely do attract. Each gave a great performance and showed depth as their characters started as archetypes and evolved over the course of the film. The supporting cast is solid and set up a very distinct Australian society. David Wenham in particular made a great villain, but probably the brightest shining light in the entire cast was newcomer Brandon Walters, who played the young mixed child Nullah. Walters flawlessly proved that he has more charisma and screen presence in his pinky than any other young up-and-comer in the business. I truly hope to see more from this kid.

As like any other epic, the music is on a playing field all its own, effortlessly complementing the drama and action when necessary.

8/10