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Ned KellyRating:
Release Date: 27 July, 2004 Retail Price: $14.98 OUR Price: $12.99 You SAVE: $1.99! Cast: |
Ned Kelly Reviews
The Absolute Corruption of Absolute Power
On its face, this 2004 version of the Ned Kelly story is an old-fashioned western shoot 'em up, albeit played out in the "wild west" of Victorian era Australia. In fact, I found that to be part of this film's appeal, in that it provides a rare and entertaining look at how similar life was "over there" at that time to those most of us have seen a million times in tales of the American west.
That said, Director Gregor Jordan's Kelly tale is also an allegory demonstrating again how easily a government with absolute authority and no valid system of checks and balances can be used maliciously and abusively by a corrupt few. Given the abuses of power by members of today's American government, with a corrupt core even working to override and ignore the checks and balances supposedly assured by our system, it's a good reminder of what can happen to any individual -- especially someone of unpopular origin -- when circumstances are less than perfect, as they often are.
As to the accuracy of the film's storyline, good luck determining that. While it seems to be reasonably accurate, if romanticized to accent Kelly's folk appeal, at this point it's hard to say who was right, who was wrong, and to what degree. Then again, that's a great reason to buy this DVD - it includes a Special Feature about the real Ned Kelly for more perspective on the now century-and-a-half debate over whether he was just a rowdy criminal or a Robin Hood revolutionary standing up for the common man. Probably a little of both.
At the very least, the film is well acted both by its primaries - Heath Ledger, Orlando Bloom, Naomi Watts, and Geoffrey Rush - and the many terrific Australian character actors in support roles. Nicely done all around.
Ned Kelly is not just a story for Australians
Ned Kelly is the story of legendary Australian figure, Edward 'Ned' Kelly's transformation from petty criminal to outlawed revolutionary.
One the most impressive aspects of this film is amount of attention lavished on accurate wardrobe, set design, location, and language. Films rarely realize he goal of completely transportaing a viewer to a different time and place. The oppression of the Australian Irish by their British overlords is starkly documented, laying the foundation for the events to unfold and inspiring a certain sympathy for Ned and his gang.
The film boasts an amazing cast which includes: Heath Ledger, Orlando Bloom, Geoffrey Rush, Naomi Watts, and Rachel Griffiths.
I had read "My Sunshine," the book this film was marginally based on, and was familiar with the story of Ned Kelly prior to watching the film. Since few Americans are acquainted with the legend of Ned Kelly I would suggest doing a litte reading first. The <a href="http://www.ironoutlaw.com/">IronOutlaw site</a> has the most thorough background on Ned, The Kelly Gang, and the true events the picture is based on.
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