During World War II, an Englishwoman takes over a ranch in rural Australia, and runs up against the plans of a greedy cattle baron, as well as a Japanese attack on the country.
Writer-director Baz Luhrmann considered his first three films (Strictly Ballroom, Romeo + Juliet, and Moulin Rouge!) to be part of a loose collection he called The Red Curtain Trilogy, each using various theatrical devices and known for their aggressive and colorful design and style. For his next effort, Luhrmann wished to make an epic about the history of his native country while paying homage to Hollywood's Golden Age.
The decision to set the film in the early years of World War II allowed Luhrmann to showcase the country's brief involvement in the conflict, and play with the conventions of the wartime romance story. In addition, there are subplots about the local Aboriginal culture, including the Australian government's practice of removing children from their families over a 100-year period.
The film stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, and also includes David Wenham (Lord of the Rings trilogy), and local veterans Bryan Brown, Jack Thompson, and David Gulpilil, as well as the newly-discovered child actor Brandon Walters. Luhrmann is joined behind the camera by frequent collaborator (and wife) Catherine Martin, who contributed costume and production design, as well as co-producing.
The film draws influence from various classic films, most notably Gone With the Wind, The African Queen, Casablanca, and a number of westerns. The Wizard of Oz features prominently in the film as a motif, nodding to the exploration of mythologies fantastical and cultural.
Critical reception was positive-to-mixed with a modest box office take, similar to Luhrmann's previous films, though it did manage a respectable international showing.
Film runs approx. 2 hrs, 40 min.
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