Plot Summary
A romantic action-adventure epic set in Australia prior to World War II that centers on an English aristocrat (Nicole Kidman) who inherits a large ranch. When English cattle barons plot to take her land, she reluctantly joins forces with a rough-hewn cattle drover (Hugh Jackman) to protect her ranch. Together they experience four life-altering years, a love affair and the bombing of Darwin during World War II.
Credits
Director
Movie Reviews from Rotten Tomatoes
TOMATOMETER
55%- Reviews Counted: 205
- Fresh: 113
- Rotten: 92
- Average Rating: 5.9/10
Top Critics' Reviews
Rotten: Luhrmann is drawn to kitsch as inevitably as a bear to honey.
Fresh: Sometimes Luhrmann seems to be living in a Dreamtime of his own; his movie is all over the map. But what a gorgeous map it is.
Fresh: A wildly ambitious, luridly indulgent spectacle of romance, action, melodrama and historic revisionism, Australia is windy, overblown, utterly preposterous and insanely entertaining.
Rotten: It's trying so hard to be epic instead of just being epic.
Customer Reviews
Overlooked by CRITICs, but a TRUE Classic
Have no idea why this was all but snubbed at recent Golden Globe and Academy Awards. They have suffered 'Tall Poppy Syndrome' - a trait normally reserved for our own (Aussies!) where we try to cut down something or someone that is too successful or doing overly well. Baz Luhrmann has broad shoulders I'm sure and should be oh so proud of this STUNNING and MEMORABLE Movie. I have spoken to others who have seen this movie and we've ended up with goosebumps - a RARE occurrence that a movie can leave you so emotional, so impassioned about the story, its people and their journey. The scenery is stunning and some of Australia's finest, as are the actors and acting within. The story is POWERFUL yet flows with many a comedic moment that whilst amuses never detracts from the oh so much deeper story of simply a man and woman falling in love. Maybe some outside of the US wont get it, but the underlying story line of 'The Forgotten Children' (based on true events in a dark period of Australian history where 'mixed blood' children were removed from their Aboriginal parents in the thought they would be better off being raised without them) is powerful and moving - all the more so with the recent and historic APOLOGY to the Aboriginal people by our current Prime Minister. I know I'm not giving much detail away, I dont want to - hopefully I've given you enough anticipation to want to hire or even better BUY this movie TODAY - you WILL NOT REGRET IT!!!
lovelovelovelovelovelovelove it
i absolutely loved this movie. i dont really care what the mixed reviews from the film critics say. it is a breathtaking film with two outstandingly accomplished actors. unfortunately, there are other quite weird movies that are getting nominations. in my opinion australia should sweep the board winning in almost every category but the oscars don;t seem to agree with me.. outstanding movie in my opinion. somewhat to the feel of gone with the wind. they just don't make movies like this one anymore. you won't like it if you don't like romance or and comedy inside of drama. love it. definitely one of my favorites.
My Favorite Movie Of All Time!!!!
Filled with romance, action,adventure,and suspense: this is the greatest movie I've ever seen. You can feel the emotions of the characters pulsing off the screen. Though you will need to reserve 3 hours in order to watch this movie, it is definately worth the time. I hope you fall in love with it almost as much as I did.(I'm obsessed!!!!!)
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- $9.99
- Genre: Romance
- Released: 2009
- © 2008 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.
Also Available
- Australia (Music from the Movie)
- Various Artists
- Australia (Music from the Film) - EP
- Various Artists
