Aussie outlaw Kelly's tale an incredible film
Melissa Rajsic
Issue date: 8/6/04 Section: Entertainment
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Ned Kelly was released on DVD July 27th after a limited release run in theatres back in March. Gregor Jordan directs and Heath Ledger plays the Aussie icon and Irish-Australian legend Edward "Ned" Kelly. Other cast members include Orlando Bloom (Joe Byrne) and fellow Aussie Naomi Watts (Julia). While overall critics gave the film a C rating, it is definitely worth renting.
The story takes place towards the end of the 19th century when Australia is still a fledgling country and the majority of the Irish population lives in poverty. Bushranger Ned is wrongfully imprisoned again on charges of stealing a horse. Released 3 years later, Ned is hardened and angry, but vows to stay on the straight and narrow. He returns to his widowed mother and younger siblings and tries to take care of the family with odd jobs, one of which is as a farmhand on the estate of an English landowner. Ned pursues a relationship with the landowner's wife (Naomi Watts) that pops up throughout the movie.
While there is always a prejudice against Kelly and his family thanks to his sheep-stealing father, his problems really get started when Ned's younger sister Kate rejects the advances of a Victoria police officer. Ned, his brother Dan, and his mother are unjustly charged with attempted murder of the drunken officer. Ned is determined to clear his family's name and revolt against the corrupt police and the crown. While hiding in the bush, he forms a loyal Gang that includes his best friend Joe Byrne. A chance encounter with the police while they are in hiding results in three officers being killed which forces the Kelly Gang to go on the run. They pass the time robbing banks to fund themselves and their fellow plighted countrymen as well as burning the mortgages of their friends in a Robin Hood-esque move.
The Kelly Gang's reputation as murders and outlaws grows, as does the support from their immigrant countrymen. Their run takes them to the Glenrowan pub where the police catch up to them and The Gang's fate is decided.
The story starts off slow and unsteady but by the end you are wishing there was more to tell. You also feel for the characters, throughout the film you feel yourself quietly cheering for them to get out of it okay. While they are outlaws, they have heart and humor. The story of Ned Kelly itself is very interesting and the bonus material on the DVD, which includes a haunting photo of Ned only helps to pique your interest.
Even if you aren't into the whole historical genre, the soundtrack composed by Klaus Badelt should help in redeeming any of the lacking qualities of this film. It is made up mainly of long, slow string melodies.
This is a movie definitely worth seeing for its historical (especially if you are a history geek like me) and entertainment value.
Rating: Four triangles
The story takes place towards the end of the 19th century when Australia is still a fledgling country and the majority of the Irish population lives in poverty. Bushranger Ned is wrongfully imprisoned again on charges of stealing a horse. Released 3 years later, Ned is hardened and angry, but vows to stay on the straight and narrow. He returns to his widowed mother and younger siblings and tries to take care of the family with odd jobs, one of which is as a farmhand on the estate of an English landowner. Ned pursues a relationship with the landowner's wife (Naomi Watts) that pops up throughout the movie.
While there is always a prejudice against Kelly and his family thanks to his sheep-stealing father, his problems really get started when Ned's younger sister Kate rejects the advances of a Victoria police officer. Ned, his brother Dan, and his mother are unjustly charged with attempted murder of the drunken officer. Ned is determined to clear his family's name and revolt against the corrupt police and the crown. While hiding in the bush, he forms a loyal Gang that includes his best friend Joe Byrne. A chance encounter with the police while they are in hiding results in three officers being killed which forces the Kelly Gang to go on the run. They pass the time robbing banks to fund themselves and their fellow plighted countrymen as well as burning the mortgages of their friends in a Robin Hood-esque move.
The Kelly Gang's reputation as murders and outlaws grows, as does the support from their immigrant countrymen. Their run takes them to the Glenrowan pub where the police catch up to them and The Gang's fate is decided.
The story starts off slow and unsteady but by the end you are wishing there was more to tell. You also feel for the characters, throughout the film you feel yourself quietly cheering for them to get out of it okay. While they are outlaws, they have heart and humor. The story of Ned Kelly itself is very interesting and the bonus material on the DVD, which includes a haunting photo of Ned only helps to pique your interest.
Even if you aren't into the whole historical genre, the soundtrack composed by Klaus Badelt should help in redeeming any of the lacking qualities of this film. It is made up mainly of long, slow string melodies.
This is a movie definitely worth seeing for its historical (especially if you are a history geek like me) and entertainment value.
Rating: Four triangles
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