"Australia" Review (***)

If Baz Lurmann's "Australia" were nothing more than a visually stunning epic film it would be still be worth the watch, despite it's 2 hour 45 minute run time. There's so much more to it though as it takes us on a swooping epic adventure from 1939 to 1942 Australia incorporating action, adventure, comedy, tragedy and even fantasy with a good old American western tale that eventually evolves into a war scene as well as the obvious love story at it's core. Granted the crowning achievement of this ambitious epic is clearly the Art Direction, Costume Design and Cinematography of these gigantic scenes, many of which are CGI lead although it takes little away from the landscapes and imagery. The CGI is obvious but it doesn't get in the way or take away the beauty of the scenes and shots in the least. Sure there are holes in the story and the story shouldn't be mistaken as an educational or historical account of a pre-World War II cattle driven Australia but if an exhilarating action adventure epic tale with a heart is what your looking for than buckle up and enjoy the ride.

The story begins with Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman) traveling to Australia to get her husband to return with her back to England. Upon her arrival she is met by The Drover (Hugh Jackman), who is a chiseled iconic cowboy that epitomizes the definition of hero along the like of John Wayne. The Drover will escort her to her husband, who is there in the Outback to see to their large plot of land and cattle ranch, Faraway Downs.

Trouble ensues as the local cattle tycoon King Carney (Bryan Brown) attempts to purchase Faraway Downs properties and 1500 head of cattle with a modest offer at best with greedy intentions of monopolizing the cattle market. In a take this offer or else manner handled mostly by his less than trustworthy henchman Neil Fletcher (David Wenham) they begin making life difficult for those involved with Lady Sarah and Faraway Downs. Most notably a young 10 year old boy, Nullah, magnificently portrayed by Brandon Walters who received the prestigious dream credit for any actor breaking onto the scene... the "and Introducing Brandon Walters as Nullah" credit. Lucky devil, but he deserved it. He really was the heart and soul of the film and it's impossible to not get warm and fuzzy when you see his affinity for the classic song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."

Walters role was crucial as not only does he carry the story but he narrates it as well, as Nullah, in the cutest accent which must be the combination of Aborigine and Australian based on the "half-cast" or "creamy" label for those with mixed parents are known. Nullah, his mother and another Aboriginal woman help to take care of Faraway Downs but they must keep Nullah hidden, as being a half-cast is cause to be removed from your family by the government to be used for what was deemed to be useful services to the white community, essentially slaves. They came to be known as "The Lost Generations" in real world Australia. Of course, The Drover, being the epitome of hero that he is, on more than a couple occasions shows he stands firmly for equal rights and not only refuses to tolerate such racism but uses physical force when it's laws of "No Blacks" are being enforced. Unfortunately, it's due to a previous agreement between Faraway Downs and the local authorities that has kept Nullah safe as opposed to lack of knowing he exists. Clearly the leverage that King Carney and Neil Fletcher plan to use to their advantage.

And off the story and adventure goes as The Drover and his Aboriginal sidekick must lead the cattle drive across the Outback with the disadvantage of using the inexperienced help of the 5 people that keep Faraway Downs functioning. The film is interesting in that it will be loved or loathed in that the first Act sets the tone in it's score and acting performances to that of "Swiss Family Robinson" but after the dramatic first plot point hits the stakes are raised in all aspects considerably as the entire theme and tone of the film seems to evolve into a more dramatic and serious feel to that of first "The Searchers" onto the third Act and "A Bridge on the River Kwai" and eventually as a whole "Gone with the Wind." By the end of Act II there are clear struggles that must be overcome as well as specific goals for each character to achieve and it captivates your attention as you eagerly wait to see how things transpire in the cheesy and somewhat predicable Act III that completes this swooping epic tale.

After it's all said and done I found myself days later still thinking about the journey this film takes you on and how ambitious and enormous the story really is. This is always a good indicator that it was a good film, despite the ability to poke holes in it.