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 jo... more »ins 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.
Audio: English, French & Spanish: 5.1 Dolby Surround Language: Dubbed & Subtitled: English, French & Spanish Aspect Ratio: Widescreen: 2.35:1« less
Could not get into this but others seem to like it.
Sharon F. (Shar) from AVON PARK, FL Reviewed on 4/20/2021...
I really hesitated about watching this movie because I'm not a real big Nicole Kidman fan, but boy am I glad I finally watched it. This movie has a little of everything in it...romance, war, action, heartbreak, humor, etc. And the photography was GREAT. Beautiful scenery. WELL DONE!
1 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Paula S. from BROOKSVILLE, FL Reviewed on 11/25/2013...
WOW, I just watched this movie and loved it! A must see for adventure, excitement, and love.
4 of 5 member(s) found this review helpful.
Kathy H. (kate54) from SAINT LOUIS, MO Reviewed on 5/10/2013...
I love this movie. I could watch it everyday. It has romance , action, and the story line is great. The movie in my opinion is at least 10 stars.
3 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Jim S. from BARNARDSVILLE, NC Reviewed on 4/6/2013...
Excellent
3 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Ronald F. from ALAMOGORDO, NM Reviewed on 1/11/2013...
I thought it was a very good movie, well acted and visually appealing. I would recommend it to those who like historical/ romantic genre films.
2 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Amy N. (dejavualloveragain) from NEWCASTLE, WY Reviewed on 3/1/2011...
This film is quite entertaining. The theme was very broad and it was as though there were many movies within the large-scale epic. Where some leave you merely satisfied, this goes a step beyond and continues the story to an overwhelmingly sweeping and emotional conclusion. This movie is to say the least, unique... as all Baz Luhrmann films are. If you enjoy Mr. Luhrmann's work, you will not be disappointed. Bravo!
2 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Erica G. (erica07) from MURPHY, NC Reviewed on 12/31/2009...
Australia suffers from an identity crisis. It doesn't know if it wants to be a screw-ball comedy, romantic comedy, or serious drama. I think the blame lies squarely on the shoulders of the director for not having a clear vision of what the movie should be about or how it should be told. If Australia was suppose to be a sprawling epic about the birth of a nation, the movie fails miserably.
4 of 7 member(s) found this review helpful.
Elaine C. (farscapegirl) from ASHEVILLE, NC Reviewed on 12/5/2009...
Great musical! The actors captured the sweeping emotional themes without looking cheesy, very well done plot and acting! I enjoyed the movie thoroughly!
2 of 6 member(s) found this review helpful.
LUCINDA L. from ROSEVILLE, MI Reviewed on 12/1/2009...
This DVD was extremely slow going in the beginning and I could not finish it. I really wanted to, because I had heard such good things, but after 45 minutes I had to turn it off.
3 of 6 member(s) found this review helpful.
Movie Reviews
See It For the Boy
Samantha Kelley | USA | 09/10/2010
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Australia is the story of a well-bred but meddlesome English woman Lady Ashley (Nicole Kidman) who decides to go to Australia to check up on her husband's affairs there. When she arrives, she is met by a rough bachelor called Drover (Hugh Jackman) who takes her to her husband's property, only to discover that he has been killed. The murder is blamed on the natives, but Lady Ashley quickly finds that something is afoot with the cattle boss (David Wenham) and she promptly fires him.
Without someone to drive her cattle, Lady Ashley is forced to care for the land herself, and she must make a quick go of it. She becomes "Miss Boss" to the natives, and her forceful nature and womanly touch makes her a better candidate for the job than one might have first expected.
The story is long and very predictable. It is obvious that most of the auxiliary characters will die, and the storyline doesn't make these deaths very surprising. The author wanted us to feel sad, but not in such a way that would affect the story too much.
The scenery is beautiful, but that doesn't make a film great. Aside from that, the best part of the film is Brandon Walters who plays the makeshift son of Lady Ashley and Drover. The old adage about kids in film seems true here. Although Kidman and Jackman are well known for their acting skills, this boy steals every scene from them. He is charming, intelligent, and his lingo is very entertaining. He is an Aboriginal boy, and an incredibly talented one at that. Here is to hoping we see him again on the screen."