Set in northern Australia before World War II, an English aristocrat who inherits a sprawling ranch reluctantly pacts with a stock-man in order to protect her new property from a takeover plot. As the pair drive 2,000 head of cattle over unforgiving landscape, they experience the bombing of Darwin by Japanese forces firsthand.
Cinematography
Mandy Walker's sweeping outback vistas are genuinely stunning.
Costume
Catherine Martin's 1940s safari-chic is Oscar-worthy excess.
Acting
Hugh Jackman emerging from water changed lives in 2008.
Director
Baz Luhrmann
Nicole Kidman
Lady Sarah Ashley
Hugh Jackman
The Drover
Essie Davis
Katherine
David Wenham
Neil Fletcher
Bryan Brown
King Carney
David Gulpilil
King George
John Jarratt
Sergeant
Shea Adams
Carney Boy
Nathin Art Butler
Carney Boy
John Walton
Carney Boy
Eddie Baroo
Bull
Arthur Dignam
Father Benedict
Sandy Gore
Gloria Carney
Bill Hunter
Skipper (Qantas Sloop)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The film was originally conceived as two parts, with a six-hour cut existing somewhere in Luhrmann's vault. The theatrical release was essentially 'Australia: The Highlights Reel.'
Brandon Walters (Nullah) was cast after a nationwide search; his performance led to renewed debates about authentic Indigenous representation versus the 'magical Aboriginal child' trope in Australian cinema.
AU
