'A Luxuriously Bumpy Ride'

Seeing Australia was one of the most satisfying movie-going experiences I've had in quite some time...probably in the past three years at least. The word 'epic' comes to mind as you watch the long shots of cattle driven by the "rover" (Jackman). Some actors are hard to shake apart from the selves we know them as in tabloid trash and previous roles they've played, but Kidman and Jackman did not disappoint. In other, very non-technical terms; I bought it, I bought into the life I saw presented on the screen. For almost the 3hr. duration, i was somewhere else, absorbed in the suspension of disbelief.

Not only the stunning visual composition a la Luhrman, and the acting, but the narrative and the issues it takes to task were beautifully treated and challenged in all of their complexity...racism, imperialism, assimilation, gender roles, and war...yes, it's a very full film, but not over ambitious.

Then there is the whole intertextuality woven with the Wizard of Oz...so powerful and moving.

My favorite quote... "i sing you to me"...just watch and you'll see.


Click here for a review from Variety...then go see it for yourself!