Australia Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A fancy lady and a rugged cowboy herd cows across Australia and then bombs fall; what’s not to love?

🍿 Australia: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Lady Sarah’s Arrival and Husband’s Death

In 1939, Lady Sarah Ashley, an English aristocrat, travels to northern Australia to confront her philandering husband and convince him to sell their cattle station, Faraway Downs. Upon arrival, she learns of his mysterious death, allegedly at the hands of an Aboriginal elder known as ‘King George.’ This sets the stage for her inheritance of the vast and struggling ranch.

Partnership with the Drover and Cattle Drive

Faced with losing Faraway Downs to a ruthless cattle baron, King Carney, and his scheming manager, Neil Fletcher, Lady Sarah reluctantly partners with a rugged cattle drover known only as ‘Drover.’ Together, they embark on a perilous journey to drive 2,000 head of cattle across the unforgiving Australian outback to Darwin, hoping to secure a lucrative contract with the Australian Army.

Romance and Challenges on the Trail

As they navigate treacherous landscapes, evade Carney’s sabotage attempts, and face personal demons, Lady Sarah and Drover develop a deep and passionate romance. Their journey is complicated by the presence of Nullah, a young Aboriginal boy caught between two worlds, who becomes a symbol of the Stolen Generations and the injustices faced by indigenous Australians.

Arrival in Darwin and Unexpected Conflict

After overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles, the cattle drive succeeds. Lady Sarah and Drover secure the army contract. Tensions escalate as Drover considers his future. Nullah is apprehended, and the Japanese attack Darwin. They become separated and must find one another amidst the chaos of the bombing.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman): An English aristocrat who inherits a cattle station in Australia and finds herself falling in love with the land and the Drover.
• Drover (Hugh Jackman): A rugged stockman who helps Lady Sarah drive her cattle across the outback, becoming her lover and protector.
• Nullah (Brandon Walters): A young Aboriginal boy of mixed race who becomes close to Lady Sarah and the Drover, representing the Stolen Generations.
• King Carney (Bryan Brown): A ruthless cattle baron who tries to take Lady Sarah’s land and gain a monopoly over the beef supply.
• Neil Fletcher (David Wenham): The deceitful station manager who plots against Lady Sarah, ultimately revealed to be a murderer and Nullah’s father.
• King George (David Gulpilil): Nullah’s grandfather and Aboriginal elder, embodying the spiritual connection to the land and indigenous culture.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Drover: “Most people like to own things. You know, land, luggage, other people. Makes them feel secure. But all that can be taken away. And in the end, the only thing you really own is your story. Just tryin’ to live a good one.” – Drover reflects on the nature of ownership and life’s true values, emphasizing personal narrative over material possessions.
• Nullah: “King George is a magic man, like the Wizard of Oz.” – Nullah explains his grandfather’s spiritual connection to the land, linking him to the mystical figure from ‘The Wizard of Oz’.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $130,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $49,554,002
• Worldwide Gross: $211,788,761

💥 Australia Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing this in theaters and being swept away by the scenery. Baz Luhrmann knows how to create a visually stunning world, and ‘Australia’ is no exception. The romantic scenes between Kidman and Jackman made my heart soar. While the plot may be a bit over-the-top, the emotional impact of the bombing of Darwin and the struggle of the Aboriginal people stayed with me long after the credits rolled. Definitely a movie that’s best experienced on the big screen.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of epic historical romances”
  • “Viewers interested in Australian history and culture”
  • “Those who appreciate visually stunning films”
  • “Fans of Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Mature themes related to historical injustices against indigenous populations”
  • “War themes including bombing and combat”
  • “Mild language”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “While visually stunning and boasting strong performances, Australia’s epic scope feels bloated and its narrative too reliant on familiar clichés.
• Metacritic: “Baz Luhrmann’s Australia tries to be a sweeping, romantic epic, but ultimately feels like a collection of scenes from other, better movies. A visual feast but narratively unsatisfying.
• Empire Magazine: “Australia is undoubtedly ambitious and visually impressive, but its over-reliance on melodrama and historical inaccuracies hold it back from achieving true greatness. Jackman and Kidman deliver solid performances.

Audience Reactions

The stunning visuals of the Australian outback were breathtaking.: Viewers praised the sweeping cinematography and epic scale of the film.

Kidman and Jackman’s chemistry was undeniable.: Fans loved the romantic pairing of Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, citing their on-screen connection as a major highlight.

Overall Consensus: Australia is a visually impressive but narratively flawed epic that polarizes audiences with its melodrama and historical liberties. It’s a film best appreciated for its sweeping cinematography and star power rather than its historical accuracy.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Nicole Kidman agreed to star in the film without reading the script, solely based on Baz Luhrmann’s involvement as director.”
• “Baz Luhrmann shot so much extra footage that he later turned it into a miniseries titled ‘Faraway Downs’ in 2023.”

🖥️ How to Watch Australia?

Australia is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on other streaming services. For physical copies, search Amazon or visit your local retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Australia, you might like these similar films:

• Out of Africa (1985): Shares the theme of a strong-willed woman finding her place in a foreign land while navigating a complex romance.
• The English Patient (1996): Both films are sweeping historical romances set against the backdrop of war, with strong characters and exotic locations.
• Gone with the Wind (1939): An epic historical romance set against the backdrop of war with strong characters and sweeping visuals.
• Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002): Offers a powerful and important depiction of the Stolen Generations in Australia, providing historical context to Nullah’s story.

🛒 Australia Related Products

• Australia (Blu-ray): Experience the epic tale of Australia in stunning high definition with this Blu-ray edition. Includes special features and behind-the-scenes content.
• Australia Movie Poster: Decorate your space with this official movie poster featuring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. A perfect collectible for fans of the film.
• Australian Outback Survival Kit: Inspired by the film, this kit contains essential supplies for navigating the rugged terrain. A fun conversation starter.
• Akubra Hat: Iconic Australian hat worn in the film. Genuine Akubra, durable and stylish for outdoor adventures.

🎧 Soundtrack

Australia features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “By the Boab Tree” – performed by Angela Little
• “Waltzing Matilda” – performed by Various Artists
• “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” – performed by Nicole Kidman

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Tourism Australia Dundee Super Bowl Ad 2018 w/ Chris Hemsworth and Danny McBride (Extended)

Ever wondered what Australia looks like outside the movies? This ad gives you a glimpse, with Chris Hemsworth and Danny McBride as your guides. Get ready for stunning landscapes and a touch of Aussie humor!

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