Ned Kelly Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A dude who’s basically framed for everything becomes Australia’s most fashionable, iron-clad bank robber, proving that even outlaws need a good helmet.

🍿 Ned Kelly: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and Injustices

Ned Kelly, despite an early act of heroism, is constantly harassed by the Victorian police due to his family’s criminal past. This harassment intensifies when Constable Fitzpatrick makes unwanted advances towards Ned’s sister, leading to a confrontation. The already strained relationship with the authorities deteriorates further when Ned is wrongly accused of attempted murder.

Becoming an Outlaw

Accused of attempted murder and with his mother facing unjust charges, Ned, along with his brother Dan and friends Joe Byrne and Steve Hart, are forced to flee and are labeled as outlaws. This marks the beginning of the Kelly Gang’s infamous journey, as they retaliate against what they see as an oppressive government.

The Kelly Gang’s Rebellion

The Kelly Gang becomes notorious for robbing banks and defying the Victorian police. Their actions are seen by some as acts of rebellion against injustice, while others view them as simple criminality. Superintendent Francis Hare is tasked with hunting down the gang, leading to a series of confrontations that escalate the conflict.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ned Kelly (Heath Ledger): The Irish immigrant turned outlaw, fighting against injustice and police corruption in colonial Australia.
• Joseph Byrne (Orlando Bloom): Ned Kelly’s loyal and charismatic best friend, known for his charm and loyalty to the gang.
• Superintendent Francis Hare (Geoffrey Rush): The determined police superintendent tasked with hunting down Ned Kelly and his gang.
• Julia Cook (Naomi Watts): A married woman who becomes romantically involved with Ned Kelly, representing his connection to a better life.
• Aaron Sherritt (Joel Edgerton): A member of Ned Kelly’s inner circle whose actions have far reaching and unfortunate consiquences.
• Dan Kelly (Laurence Kinlan): Ned’s younger brother and a key member of the Kelly Gang, supporting his brother’s fight against the authorities.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ned Kelly: “Such is life.” – Ned Kelly’s final words before being hanged, encapsulating his fatalistic view.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $86,959
• Worldwide Gross: $6,585,516

💥 Ned Kelly Reviews

Personal Review

I went into this movie with low expectations, and I was pleasantly surprised. Ledger really embodies the spirit of Ned Kelly. The Glenrowan shootout was intense. I found myself feeling sympathetic towards a bank robber, which is weird. The movie might take liberties with history, but it definitely entertained me.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in Australian history”
  • “Fans of Heath Ledger and Orlando Bloom”
  • “People who enjoy stories of rebellion and outlaws”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Gunfights”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Some disturbing scenes”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “While Ledger delivers a solid performance, the film itself feels somewhat lukewarm, never fully igniting the legend’s rebellious spirit. It’s a decent historical drama but doesn’t quite capture the iconic status of Ned Kelly. Good for a rainy afternoon, but don’t expect a cinematic masterpiece.
• IMDb: “Ledger shines as Ned, portraying both the vulnerability and the steel of the outlaw. Bloom impresses, but the script struggles to fully flesh out supporting characters. The cinematography beautifully captures the Australian landscape, enhancing the film’s atmosphere and providing visual depth.

Audience Reactions

Heath Ledger’s portrayal of Ned Kelly was captivating.: Ledger’s performance, the cinematography, and the action sequences were generally well-received.

The film’s depiction of the Australian landscape was visually stunning.: Many viewers appreciated the effort to showcase the Australian outback and historical setting.

Overall Consensus: A decent but not outstanding portrayal of the Ned Kelly legend, elevated by strong performances but hindered by a somewhat uneven script.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The world premiere of ‘Ned Kelly’ took place in Australia, just two blocks away from where the real Ned Kelly was hanged.”
• “The film is based on the novel ‘Our Sunshine’ by Robert Drewe, and it presents a fictionalized account of Ned Kelly’s life and exploits.”
• “Many of the police shot in the Glenrowan shootout, as depicted in the movie, is inaccurate. In reality, Superintendent Francis Hare only sustained a minor wrist injury.”

🖥️ How to Watch Ned Kelly?

Currently, ‘Ned Kelly’ (2003) can be streamed or rented on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, offering viewers the flexibility to enjoy the film through either rental or purchase options. Check your local streaming services for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Ned Kelly, you might like these similar films:

• The Proposition (2005): Another brutal Australian Western exploring themes of lawlessness, morality, and the harsh realities of the outback.
• Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969): Classic Western about charming outlaws on the run, capturing the camaraderie and rebellious spirit of the Kelly Gang.
• The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007): A more recent, character-driven Western that delves into the complexities of outlaw legends and their impact on society.
• Lawless (2012): A gritty crime drama set in the Prohibition era, highlighting a family of bootleggers standing against corrupt law enforcement, similar to the Kelly Gang’s fight against oppressive authority.

🛒 Ned Kelly Related Products

• Ned Kelly: The Official Illustrated History: A visually stunning book exploring the history of Ned Kelly with rare images and documents. It offers a deep dive into the era and the legend.
• True History of the Kelly Gang by Peter Carey: A Man Booker Prize-winning novel offering a fictionalized but compelling account of Ned Kelly’s life.
• Ned Kelly (2003) Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the movie’s original poster. Perfect for decorating a home theater or adding to a movie memorabilia collection.
• Ned Kelly T-Shirt: A comfortable, stylish t-shirt featuring iconic imagery from the movie. Available in various sizes.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Shelter for My Soul” – performed by Bernard Fanning
• “String Quartet No. 13 in B-Flat Major, Op. 130: V. Cavatina. Adagio molto espressivo” – performed by Ludwig van Beethoven

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Australia’s Most Notorious Outlaw – Ned Kelly

Ever wondered about the real story behind Ned Kelly, the outlaw? This video dives deep into his life, from his first brush with the law to his iconic Iron Man-esque showdown. It’s wild how much of his story is even crazier than the movies!

The true story of the Kelly Gang Armour | Did it work? Who made it?

Curious about Ned Kelly’s famous armor? This video explores the science behind it, figuring out how it was made and if it even worked! It’s a fascinating look at a key part of the legend.

Ned Kelly – Becoming a Bushranger – Extra History – Part 1

How did a young Ned Kelly become one of Australia’s most famous bushrangers? This video takes you through his early life and the events that led him down a life of crime. It’s a great way to get the backstory before watching the movie.

Ned Kelly’s armour: a suit becomes a symbol

Want to see Ned Kelly’s actual armor up close? This video gives you a rare look at the artifact, with insights from the State Library Victoria. It really makes you appreciate the history and symbolism of that iconic suit.

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