Australia

Didn't really enjoy the tonal shifts, where the film starts with some strange farce-like comedic introductions of the main cast of characters that goes on a little too long (but I admit to laughing at one spot pretty hard), but about half-way through, the film settles in a more steady dramatic groove that fits the story it was telling. The film touches on racism as it existed in Australia in WWII. Also the film features Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman) a woman who rises up (with the help of Drover, played by Hugh Jackman, and others) to the challenge of prospering in the face of treachery. The other main subplot is about remaining true to your roots even if one's heritage is diluted by bloodlines. All of this within the framework of WWII happening, and how Australia played its part in the war efforts.

Overall, it's sort of a messy film, very much a bumpy ride. The voiceover by the little boy, Nullah, who ties many of the themes and plot elements together can be a little too cute at times, and also hard to understand due to the accent. That being said, the child actor playing Nullah is very earnest, and Sarah's love for the child comes across as genuine, which raises the stakes for the final act of the film.

I did not like the David Wenham in the Neil Fletcher role (playing a part of the antagonist side against Sarah), just didn't really have that dramatic spark to elevate the role, though Bryan Brown does well with his part as King Carney (who owned most of the north territory and was cattle tycoon).

There are some nice aerial sweeping shots, but there are also some really obvious scenes shot on sets, with fake-looking backgrounds, not something you expect from a film with a huge budget (over $120 million). The film is over 160 minutes long, and it feels like it, mainly due to the first half that takes forever to find its legs.

Overall, I give it 2.5 stars, or a grade of C+.