It’s gotten a mixed response from critics. It plummeted 53 percent at the U.S. box office this weekend to earn a meager $7 million. It’s even struggling to draw viewers in the country from which its two stars, director, and subject matter all hail. And yet, in spite of the dark cloud that’s following Australia, the latest directorial effort from Baz Luhrmann, I’m not ashamed to say I thoroughly enjoyed the one-time Oscar hopeful. And for those of you who might accuse me of being blinded by 165 minutes of certified Hugh Jackman hotness, I present four other reasons (beware: some spoilers included) why I loved the film:
1. Australia looks and feels like a storybook brought to life: As you’d expect from a Luhrmann production, nothing about this film reflects the drabness of everyday life. From the richly beautiful backdrops (the wharf in particular) to the moments of magical realism (Nullah stoppingthe stampede), the film overcomes its slightly cliché storyline with undeniable artistic splendor.
2. Brandon Walters is completely winning as Nullah: Seriously, if this little boy’s performance doesn’t melt your heart, then you might want to schedule an EKG and make sure you actually have one. Those big brown saucers of his! The way he delivers his "I sing you to me" line! Come on, even if you’re an Australia hater you gotta give me this one…
3. Jackman finally gets a chance to flex something other than his muscles:On top of his more, um, aesthetic gifts, Jackman is an undeniablywatchable actor whose talents are often wasted in blah films (see: Someone Like You, Van Helsing). Yet in Australia,the final scene in The Territory (a bar in Darwin) boasts a beautifulperformance by the Aussie. There are plenty ofgrand, emotional moments in the movie, but, for me, Jackman’s reaction to the barman’s refusal to serve his black friend was themost affecting of all.
(3.5. Okay, yeah, I’ll admit it: Jackman has never looked hotter.)
4. Australia is a love letter to classic cinematic romances: They may not make ‘em like they used to, but with this film, Lurhmann pays loving tribute to the sweeping epics of the past. And even if he doesn’t deliver a film with the grace and depth of, say, Gone with the Wind, I can’t help but admire his ambition.
So PopWatchers, who’s with me on this one? Did you find reasons to love Australia, or does the film deserve its bad buzz? Spread the love (or the hate) for the Jackman-Nicole Kidman starrer in the comments section below.
I thought the film was fantastic. It’s so rare now that we have movies like this, and the references to The Wizard of Oz were perfect. This film felt like a classic as I was watching it for the first time. I’m sad to admit that my generation probably is avoiding it because they have to think, they have to care about characters, they have to cry. Oh, and they have to sit still for so long.
I loved this movie so much. I went to see it twice the weekend it came out. People should definitely give this movie a chance. Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman have incredible chemistry.
The scene with Hugh washing himself and dumping the bucket of water over that ripped torso of his was worth every penny of my $9.50 ticket! GO SEE AUSTRALIA!!!!
It’s nice to see someone at EW defending this fantastic film after Lisa Schwarzbaum’s pathetic review (A C-???? Really, Lisa???). This film was so well done–the performances, the scenery, the story were all just magnificent. I’m rooting for Australia for an Academy Award, Schwarzbaum’s review be damned.
I agree with the last comment. I loved the movie and am sad that it has lost all of its Oscar buzz, especially because Baz deserves an Oscar for himself by now. Anyway, I think it is really important to be able to just escape into a movie, live in the world, and come out wishing you could stay forever in the land of Oz. Nobody let’s themself throw reason out of the window. I think my generation has forgotten how to do that. Critics want every movie to be dark, twisty, and realistic, but can’t a movie just be? “Just because it is, doesn’t mean it should be.”
I’m a young male, definately not the target demo, and I loved this movie! It was an entertaining, touching, and beautiful film.
Thanks for this story and the comments. I was really wanting to see this, but then it got slammed by critics. I think you’ve changed my mind and this film is now worth paying a babysitter for (which is the standard I used for all movies: is it babysitter-worthy? The last babysitter-worthy movie I saw was Dark Knight, so there’s a high standard.)
I’ve seen this movie twice now, and it’s fantastic. In fact, everyone I’ve spoken to who’s seen has loved it too. Sad it’s not doing better at the box office – people should give it a chance. It was really a wonderful movie.
Saw this film yesterday with two friends. We all thorougly enjoyed it. Jackman did do the last scene in the destroyed bar exceptionally well but I thought his reaction upon seeing the rows of little shoes on Mission Island after the Japanese had attacked was just as good.
Who knows in 20 or 30 years Brandon Walters may take over Jackman’s current title as Sexiest Man Alive…he’s a beautiful child.
As might be expected I am an epic movie fan and this one did not disappoint me or my friends.
I totally agree with this article. “Austrailia” is the best film to come out this year (so far) and one of the best films to come out in a long time. I loved that it paid homage to “Gone With the Wind” Nicole Kidman is terrific. I love her strong willed character and her fabulous stylish sense. Hugh Jackman is hot as usual but hus character is awesome as well and I can see a little bit of Rhett Butler in him as well. The chemistry is amazing and I loved the scenery. It just swept me away for three hours. It’s nice to see a movie like this. Before the movie there were trailors and there was one about violence and ATM machines (I think it was caled “The International”). I am so sick of terrorist movies and movies about the problems of today’s world. (“Lions for Lambs” stunk). We need more movies like “Austrailia. I would see it again in a second.
LisaMama: This movie is SO babysitter-worthy! I got my husband to watch the kids so my girlfriend and I could go to dinner and see this movie, and like I said, the soapy water scene alone was worth the time and money invested. GO SEE IT!!!!
See, this is why I can’t stand movie critics. They take an outstanding and brilliant movie like Australia and drag it through the mud for no good reason. Shame on you, Lisa Schwarzbaum for not recognizing this masterpiece for the uplifting piece of art that it is. I can’t wait to see it again, and I’m definitely buying this on DVD when it’s released.
I LOVE “Australia”. I saw it twice on opening day, two more times since, and I plan to go again this week. I agree with all of your comments, especially that Hugh Jackman gives a great performance as the Drover. His scenes in the bar and after the bombing are award-worthy. But because he’s such a natural actor, I suspect he will be overlooked in favor of the scene-chewers.
I absolutely loved Australia and wish more people would get out there and see it! It truly is an epic story and it is worth every penny. Go see it!!!!!
Amazing movie. Loved it, would happily see it again.