by Anne Hatcher

Created on: December 05, 2008

"Australia" has prompted some pretty extreme reactions from critics. Those who perhaps drink more than they should have called it a masterpiece, while those prone to histrionics have deemed it a disaster.

A more appropriate assessment, of course, lies somewhere in between.

"Australia" is certainly no disaster. It's a grand, gorgeous movie that successfully invokes the spirit of Hollywood's golden age romantic melodramas. It's bigger-than-life and over-the-top in every way; remember, this is a picture from Baz Luhrmann, who gave us the Red Curtain trilogy ("Strictly Ballroom," "William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet" and "Moulin Rouge"). Restraint really isn't Luhrmann's thing.

Some viewers will be put off by the film's almost vaudevillian excesses. Nicole Kidman blusters, Hugh Jackman struts (when he's not too busy soaping himself up and pouring buckets of water over his naked torso), and David Wenham leers and sneers at everyone in sight. There are also liberal doses of Aboriginal mysticism thrown in for good measure, so skip it if you prefer more realistic fare.

Set in the Land Down Under circa 1939, "Australia" follows the adventures of a sophisticated British woman (Kidman) and her cowboy lover (Jackman) as they try to outdo a cattle baron who has monopolized the country's beef industry. King Carney (Bryan Brown - great to see him back on the big screen) wants to be the British military's sole supplier of meat in Australia, which would put Lady Sarah Ashley's smaller ranch out of business. Matters are further complicated when World War II finally reaches Australia's shores.
The real heart of the story, though, is a terrible phenomenon known as "the stolen generations:" children of Aboriginal descent who were forcibly taken from their families by government officials and missionaries.

"Australia" weaves three rather complex stories together, so it's impossible to provide a complete plot summary here. It's worth mentioning, though, that it makes a surprisingly smooth transition from the almost slapstick comedy of its first act to the much heavier heart of its last two hours.

I loved every minute of "Australia" - all 164 of them. Sure, it has plenty of flaws; it's scattered, unfocused and uneven, and it really is longer than it needs to be. But it's filmmaking on a grand, beautiful scale, and film buffs should see it. Just be aware that, for better or worse, it probably isn't what you're expecting.

"Australia" is rated PG-13 for "some violence, a scene of sensuality, and brief strong language." I can't imagine why anyone would want to take a young child to a romantic melodrama that clocks in at a bladder-punishing two hours and 45 minutes, but I'll say it anyway: while there's no graphic sex or violence, some scenes are too disturbing for small kids.

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