I entered the movie theatre without too much trepidation. It was after all a Baz Luhrmann movie, auteur of such hits as the Moulin Rouge, and Strictly Ballroom and you know with Baz, you may be let down by something or other, but you will ultimately be entertained. And entertained I was. Quite thoroughly. This was a movie (I would almost go so far as to call it a film) that entertains and inspires awe in equal measure. The story is light and not too taxing on the mind, the camera work is stunning and above all, the actors all give sublime performances. I love Nicole Kidman’s vulerability and feminine strength, Hugh Jackman’s (The Drover) rugged masculinity is the envy of any and all men in the theatre and he proves without a doubt that he is in fact a brilliant actor, it is impossible not to love Nullah and his grandfather, they’re at turns vulnerable, invincible and ultimately human.

But I think the star of this show, after all is said and done is Australia herself. The island continent is presented in such sweeping strokes of the camera that you cannot help but want to get on a plane and venture forth down under. The reality of course will be different, but there can be no greater tourism advertisement than a movie like Australia. It presents all of Australia in its beauty, the Aboriginal culture is given it’s due and is presented in a very sympathetic light, and there seems to be a certain sense that this movie will immortalise a certain period of time in Australia, viewed through the lenses of hindsight of course but nevertheless timely, given the Australian government’s recent apology for their mistreatment of Aboriginal children. I loved this movie, I loved the immortal themes of love, of family and of sacrifice. Definitely a movie worth getting in HD

australia, huge jackman, nicole kidman