Jason KingAustralia ($16-)
November 26th 2008 11:45
Category: No Category
Australia ($16-)
I don't know where to start - I absolutely loved this film and cried my eyes out at all the emotion and longed-for fairy tale romance set amongst the best country on the planet. I was caught up in the entire pride of being an Australian and glad we produced such people as Baz, Nic, Hugh and Brandon.
If you haven't heard about this film then you have definately been isolated - it's the Baz production that has taken years to make with cast and crews in the 1000's with an entire career and tourism industry riding on its backs. Oprah has had specials on it and cinemas have been selling out in pre-sales across the country.
It's the story of an aristocrat, Lady Sara (Nic Kidman) who comes to Australia to sell her and her husband's cattle farm that is basically the size of Tasmania. But once here plans don't turn out and she meets a young magic man (boy) Nullah played superbly by Brandon Walters. She discovers through him unfortuante circumstamces involving corruption and deceit and must team up with "The Drover" (Hugh Jackman) to do battle for her farm, her cattle, it's people and her very life. The film takes place outside of Darwin during the most unfortunate war disaster Australia has ever seen and during a time when Australia's biggest unfortunate embarassment occurred - The Stolen Generations.
Baz uses the country lanscapes as his canvas for what I would describe as a modern day Gone With the Wind. His sweeping 3hr ad for the best country is just beautiful. Some of the scenes are jaw dropping - watching Brandon emerge from a billabong on a black horse had me flabergasted and the droving shots are stunning. I did get slightly annoyed at too many close angled shots of the characters (mainly during the first half) and some of the green screen stuff is a tad poor but once the magic of the story grasps you you will forgive everything. Baz also used a kind of white washing look for the film that gives it an ice hot barren feel to it. The film is a two act film, the first is the droving and falling in love with the country while the second is the darker Darwin bombing event.
Nicole is at her best in this one playing the entire range of acting emotions in the film from comedy to the saddest drama to love and evolvement. I think she may have a new book end come February in the shape of a little golden oscar. Hugh is very Australian and perfectly suited as "The Drover" (although a friend, Dave does point out he starts a little bit overacting, agreed), David Wenham is pretty much Satan and he loses brownie points for being so good as an evil $#@!. The rest of the cast is amazing but the biggest star of this film is Brandon Walters, this kid is truly brilliant and steals the show. He is magic in this and I would not be surprised if he does an Anna Paquin and gains himself a statue next year. His eyes would make you throw yourself in front of a train to protect him, and his smile lights the screen. Baz spent a year trying to find Brandon and you could see why - the Nullah character is the pivotal character of the film and if he stunk this film would sink. The ordeal this kid and kids like him had to face during this time is heart tearing but he has this mystical air to him and while things phase him he brushes them off and lets them go.
This is like an old country and western film and I prey it goes brilliantly in the US. Some of the romance may come across as corny (cheesy) to some but Baz is a true romantic and he hooks me every time. Thank you Baz for this amazing old school romance film that carries a message!
Trivia: 1) Russell Crowe was attached as the lead during pre-production. 20th Century Fox executives wanted to reduce Crowe's salary considerably, in order to appease the film's budget. This decision compelled him to ultimately leave the project. 2) Over 1500 wild horses were used for this movie 3) It took nine months to finish the movie's principal photography. 4) No fewer than 15 babies were born to cast and crew, one being Kidman's daughter, during the course of the very long filming. 5) Even though the filming schedule was pushed back a half year, Nicole Kidman never lost her faith in the project and instead prepared for the role, by by touring the country with her family, riding horses and even castrating bulls. 6) Heath Ledger was originally cast, but backed out to do The Dark Knight (2008) 7) Nicole Kidman revealed that she agreed to star in the film without reading the script. Hugh Jackman stated in an interview for 60 minutes, which aired on Sunday the 16th of October 2008, that Nicole told Hugh he had to be in the movie at a Super Bowl party, and when Hugh told her he didn't even have a script Nicole told him to forget the script, because Baz Luhrmann was directing.
The film is full of everything and I suggest you take tissues with you. I saw grown "blokes" crying in this one and I bawled like a baby. LOL - Worth $16-
And PS: Could someone find Rob Lowing a date so she can get a smile on her face and stop being such a downer cynical witch when it comes to film reviews.
I don't know where to start - I absolutely loved this film and cried my eyes out at all the emotion and longed-for fairy tale romance set amongst the best country on the planet. I was caught up in the entire pride of being an Australian and glad we produced such people as Baz, Nic, Hugh and Brandon.
If you haven't heard about this film then you have definately been isolated - it's the Baz production that has taken years to make with cast and crews in the 1000's with an entire career and tourism industry riding on its backs. Oprah has had specials on it and cinemas have been selling out in pre-sales across the country.
It's the story of an aristocrat, Lady Sara (Nic Kidman) who comes to Australia to sell her and her husband's cattle farm that is basically the size of Tasmania. But once here plans don't turn out and she meets a young magic man (boy) Nullah played superbly by Brandon Walters. She discovers through him unfortuante circumstamces involving corruption and deceit and must team up with "The Drover" (Hugh Jackman) to do battle for her farm, her cattle, it's people and her very life. The film takes place outside of Darwin during the most unfortunate war disaster Australia has ever seen and during a time when Australia's biggest unfortunate embarassment occurred - The Stolen Generations.
Baz uses the country lanscapes as his canvas for what I would describe as a modern day Gone With the Wind. His sweeping 3hr ad for the best country is just beautiful. Some of the scenes are jaw dropping - watching Brandon emerge from a billabong on a black horse had me flabergasted and the droving shots are stunning. I did get slightly annoyed at too many close angled shots of the characters (mainly during the first half) and some of the green screen stuff is a tad poor but once the magic of the story grasps you you will forgive everything. Baz also used a kind of white washing look for the film that gives it an ice hot barren feel to it. The film is a two act film, the first is the droving and falling in love with the country while the second is the darker Darwin bombing event.
Nicole is at her best in this one playing the entire range of acting emotions in the film from comedy to the saddest drama to love and evolvement. I think she may have a new book end come February in the shape of a little golden oscar. Hugh is very Australian and perfectly suited as "The Drover" (although a friend, Dave does point out he starts a little bit overacting, agreed), David Wenham is pretty much Satan and he loses brownie points for being so good as an evil $#@!. The rest of the cast is amazing but the biggest star of this film is Brandon Walters, this kid is truly brilliant and steals the show. He is magic in this and I would not be surprised if he does an Anna Paquin and gains himself a statue next year. His eyes would make you throw yourself in front of a train to protect him, and his smile lights the screen. Baz spent a year trying to find Brandon and you could see why - the Nullah character is the pivotal character of the film and if he stunk this film would sink. The ordeal this kid and kids like him had to face during this time is heart tearing but he has this mystical air to him and while things phase him he brushes them off and lets them go.
This is like an old country and western film and I prey it goes brilliantly in the US. Some of the romance may come across as corny (cheesy) to some but Baz is a true romantic and he hooks me every time. Thank you Baz for this amazing old school romance film that carries a message!
Trivia: 1) Russell Crowe was attached as the lead during pre-production. 20th Century Fox executives wanted to reduce Crowe's salary considerably, in order to appease the film's budget. This decision compelled him to ultimately leave the project. 2) Over 1500 wild horses were used for this movie 3) It took nine months to finish the movie's principal photography. 4) No fewer than 15 babies were born to cast and crew, one being Kidman's daughter, during the course of the very long filming. 5) Even though the filming schedule was pushed back a half year, Nicole Kidman never lost her faith in the project and instead prepared for the role, by by touring the country with her family, riding horses and even castrating bulls. 6) Heath Ledger was originally cast, but backed out to do The Dark Knight (2008) 7) Nicole Kidman revealed that she agreed to star in the film without reading the script. Hugh Jackman stated in an interview for 60 minutes, which aired on Sunday the 16th of October 2008, that Nicole told Hugh he had to be in the movie at a Super Bowl party, and when Hugh told her he didn't even have a script Nicole told him to forget the script, because Baz Luhrmann was directing.
The film is full of everything and I suggest you take tissues with you. I saw grown "blokes" crying in this one and I bawled like a baby. LOL - Worth $16-
And PS: Could someone find Rob Lowing a date so she can get a smile on her face and stop being such a downer cynical witch when it comes to film reviews.
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Comment by Janet Collins
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Maybe I should see it after all.
Comment by Morgan Bell
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that is an understatement!
it seemed like it got rushed through the editing room and played like an extended infomercial for australian tourism
there were some redeeming factors, including Hugh Jackman and little Brandon
i think this is a case of the movie posters being better than the film itself
Comment by Wilson Pon
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I'm glad you loved it, Jason
Comment by Jason King
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I do agree Baz could have spent another few months finishing the editing a bit better but the scope and beauty of the story is what grabbed me. The production qualities of Neighbors are shite but you can still feel for the story and characters while overlooking the rest.
The acting was superb and I had to forgive some of the bad qualities looking at what Baz created. And this is the first of his movies I didn't like the poster. LOL I still have a 6ft tall framed poster from R&J - brilliant poster.
But I knew this would not be for everyone. Have you seen the Tasmanian new tourist campaign? You will get a laugh out of it.
Wilson - agreed and glad you loved it too!!
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Comment by Jason King
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Comment by Bryn
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It rubs me up the wrong way in every which way!
Even the font used for the title grates on me.
Obviously there are folks who wanna see an overblown period romance drenched in melodramatics, saturated in histrionics and suffocated in Luhrmannese (I find it hilarious that you refer to the director on a first name basis for the whole review never once mentioning his last name ... )
You know I'm gonna roast you over this one!
I like Hugh Jackman as an actor, but there's no way in Hell I'm watching him in this kind of role.
I liked Nicole Kidman back in the day (um, Dead Calm perhaps?), but these days her botex injections deliver a more dynamic performance.
Strictly Ballroom was a neat little film for what it was, not really my cup of tea. But I loved Romeo Juliet. I found that inspired Shakespeare. Moulin Rouge did my head in. Ghastly experience. Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman had about as much chemistry as a wet fart.
Luhrmann has tried to make an Australian Gone With The Wind meets Titanic, with the Aboriginal Story thrown in for good measure. Oh dear God what a turgid stew.
Yes, I might sound reprehensibly cynical, but this is the kind of movie that brings this level of vitriol out in me. And you giving it $16 only adds fuel to my fire.
Yeah, I'd be bawling my eyes out too in the cinema if I was forced to watch this movie. I'd be like "ARGHHHHH!!! GET ME OUTTA HERE!!!!!"
I've seen the extended trailers. That is enough.
The fact that Luhrmann was still trying to work out the ending eight days before it opened, having shot several different endings, smacks of disaster to me.
Anyway, there's my two cents.
Comment by Bryn
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Comment by Jason King
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I knew it would not be for everyone, that's for sure but did not expect out and out hatred. But please do not see it - I may get upset at just how much you would tear it apart and ruin what I think a good thing.
I refer to him as Baz for 2 reasons 1) I worked with him on R&J briefly and he told me to call him Baz and 2) I was so lazy last night I could not be stuffed looking up the spelling of the surname and was worried I would spell it wrong LOL
I will say it was the first movie I have seen for ages where the audience clapped the film - and NOT because the credits started (I can hear your brain thinking it!)
Thanks for your 2 cents and am glad we don't all agree on everything otherwise Orble would be so boring - you should chat to Rob Lowing about it - she would completely agree with you. But she just hates everything lately. And I have never seen Breaking the Waves so will whack it on the list.
L8erzzzzzzz
Comment by Bryn
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I couldn't help myself ... It's not so much "hatred" but "loathing" at the idea of having to sit through three hours of an "Australian history lesson ... with romantic subterfuge" ... lol
You don't have to worry, I'm not going anywhere near the movie. However I'm a little incensed that numerous local cinemas appear to be devoting every screen to the movie. Sheeesh, Luhrmann must be sucking some serious cock!
Funny you mention Rob Lowing ... I can't stand her opinions as a rule. More often than not I totally disagree with her.
Cool that you worked on R J, in what capacity? I reckon that movie will stand the test of time better than any of his other movies. Probably cos its Shakespeare, but it's sound and vision melange is truly unique.
And I totally agree that strong opinions are what makes Orble interesting. Keep it up ... but expect more vitriol from my camp.
cheers
Comment by Jeff Musall
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Comment by Jason King
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And I wouldn't have anything else but the vitriol from you!
Jeff - I hope you like it more than Bryn liked the trailer. Hehe
Comment by Damo
It's a Chick Flick that was promoted on Oprah.
No thanks.
Comment by Ahmed
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Comment by Morgan Bell
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well i was determined to give it a go and evaluate it on its merits (i didnt want to let my Tall Poppy Syndrome get the better of me haha), and i was extremely curious to see it, but i think you summed it up in this one sentence:
i can appreciate the time and effort that was put into capturing the landscape but i just felt the way it was put together was a let down
i have not seen the Tasmanian tourist campaign - is it camp? would i like? haha
as always i love your enthusiasm!
Comment by Jason King
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Ahmed - great of you to judge not only the film but the Australian film industry based solely on your opinion - tall poppy much?
Morgan - fully agree with you!! But I still loved it. The Tasmanian campaign is exactly like the trailer for the Australian tourism campaign - except at the end it says "Tasmania - better than Australia" - they use all the same font as the Australia film. It's quite funny and is causing a bit of a stir. I think you may all be banned from venturing to the mainland soon.
Comment by Ahmed
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Comment by Lilla
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I just came in from watching it, and I am going to side with you and the thumbs up mob!
I loved it and did indeed have to stuff down some tears too ... the bombing of Darwin was absolutely heart wrenching in bringing home the obsurdity of it , and war in general... not to mention those who profit from it happily.
A wonderfully Australian story, told in a wonderfully Australian way ... exactly what I pay me money for ... entertainment.
Lilla ...
Comment by Jason King
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Yay Lilla! Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for the comments guys & gals - this would have to be most controversial film post I have ever done. It is the most black and white decision - abortion yes/ no, Baz's Australia yes/ no? I have never seen so much pure angry emotion towards something from the NO's.
Comment by Ahmed
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And it's just fact our movie industry is a joke.
Comment by Jason King
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I do agree that I nearly swallowed a full bottle of beer (not the liquid) when choking at hearing Crash had beaten Brokeback but I did enjoy Crash. No one can explain Hollywood and their choices. Corrupt money makers won't support a "gay" film? Who knows?
But I have seen some fabulous Australian films this year: Newcastle, September, and yes Australia. A given not much funding is available to aspiring film makers in this country but I have still seen some of the film makers make some of the most astounding films on a shoe string budget. People need to want to make a great product in Australia.
Comment by Lilla
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You know I just remembered the last time i found an Australian film so entertaining; it was The Dish about our role in the Apollo Mission.
I really enjoyed that too.
Lilla ...
Comment by Ahmed
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Nope, money is given to film makers, but our film makers tend to be spoiled. Of the 332 grants the AFC gave film makers in 2003/2004 only 31 managed to pay back their loans. We've lost well over 90 million dollars in the last five years to 'film makers' with their crappy art house movies.
Bryan Brown and Rachel Ward condemned the government for not funding their crappy movies on national TV, they left out the fact they never paid back the last loan they were given (totaling in at over $18,000) for a short film.
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Comment by Jason King
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On another note and one that I am greatly excited about after reading the book. I have not had the chance to travel to Melbourne to see it but Baz's next project is: WICKED
Comment by Lilla
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You should do a feature post on it ... what an interesting premise.
Now I have only to hope it is popular enough to come to Brisbane?
Lilla ...
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Thanks Lilla!!
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Next up for Baz will be Wicked - more his studio red curtain style so hpefully this will have more universal appeal and less vitriol spuming from 50% of the world.
The polarising opinions are astounding. LOVE OR HATE.
Comment by Bryn
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A friend's website had this comment placed on it and it kind of reflects my thoughts to a degree
Anonymous said...
I thought that David Gulpilil (King George) was majestic in this movie and the backdrops he was set in or against were beautiful. He is like a Dreamtime Warrior watching over his "my land" "our land" with the alertness of a kangaroo and eyesight of a wedge tail eagle, carrying his spear like a shepherd of his flock (the people of this land).
As for Nicole Kidman,she is forever a cut down tall poppy in this country. I think she played her role brilliantly and is a brilliant actress. An English aristocrat soon to be knocked down a peg or two by the harshness of the times. She was meant to be awkward and unsure when singing "somewhere over the rainbow" it was something she had only heard about and as she said in the movie she was not good with children. This proved to be wrong as she was good with Nullah and had a great compassion for the aboriginal people as I believe many a white women would have. Who of us white women would not want to take on the role of mothering an aboriginal child with their beautiful faces, radiant smiles and innocence. I don't know the true story of the stolen generation, were they neglected children of alcoholic parents who the Australian government sought to give a better opportunity to, were they wrongly bundled in to one category and hunted like slaves, I don't know. I do know that either way it would have been heartwrenching for their loving mothers and grandmothers and traumatic for the children. The heartwrench that Nicole portrayed at the moment of loosing Nullah would be the same as that of any aboriginal mother at the time. In saying this many a white person has come from a background fueled with alcohol and neglect.
We as white people may have made unintentional mistakes. I am sorry for the stolen generations, I am sorry that unfortunately there are ignorant and racist people in the world but grateful that we are not all like this. I am sorry that we send innocent men off to war. I am sorry that we as a democracy have no say in what our Governments of the day choose to do at any given time. I am grateful that we now as a nation have a compassionate leader who is not afraid to say sorry and listens to the heart of the nation.
I believe people who were moved on sorry day 2008 will love this movie and those that did not understand sorry day will just not like nor get this movie as it is beneath them to do so.
Cheers, the bleeding heart.