I know the majority of my readers are men. Shocking, I know, but still ;) At any rate, I am going to occasionally share some things I enjoy that I think will appeal more to my female readers. Fellas, just sit back and wait your turn – it’ll come ;) Hmm, well maybe you might find something here you enjoy as well…
Last night since I was still feeling quite poorly, I did something I almost never do. I left Bill and Graham to fend for themselves and I spent a couple of hours lying on the sofa watching Australia. (Yes of course, the above photo very accurately depicts how I look and dress when lying back to watch a movie ;)
I’d heard a lot of things about this movie, mostly from men (yawn, boring, oh my gosh it’s a chick flick) so I wasn’t sure I wanted to watch it. Surprisingly, other than the annoying accent of the little boy narrator, I found myself interested and enjoying it right away.
Of course, how could I help but appreciate a movie featuring Hugh Jackman? It’s not just the rugged good looks or the gorgeous accent. Well, maybe it’s a bit the accent – I do have a weakness for them.. But it’s more the presence he has. He doesn’t seem at all arrogant when interviewed – in fact, he seems quite charming. I can think of one or two things I’d like to do to him… ;)
Ok, I’ll stop daydreaming and get back to the actual movie.
Set in the 1930s, Australia is epic romantic melodrama featuring the Maureen O’Hara-esque, Lady Sara Ashley (Nicole Kidman). After the death of her husband, Lady Ashley finds herself completely in charge and doing what she has to do to take care of her land and the people living on it. When she finds herself without a team to do it, she enlists the aid of Drover (Hugh Jackman) to drive her cattle to market. Instead of standing back like a helpless and dainty noble lady, she refuses to falter and instead joins the drive to make certain the cattle reach their final destination.
Predictably, a romance develops between Drover and Lady Sarah. For some reason I liked the idea of an outwardly iron Lady falling in love with a powerful man who appreciates that she isn’t a wilting little flower. She can’t push him around but he is compelled to admit she is a force to be reckoned with.
As the movie unfolded, I was reminded more and more of a western Gone With the Wind. Strong characters, heartbreak, sacrifice, and triumph through impossible circumstances. The horrendous war scenes, the bombing of Darwin Island that was reminiscent of the destruction of Atlanta at Sherman’s hands. (Even the photo above reminds me of a Scarlett and Rhett moment.)
One of my favorite moments of the movie must be this scene in which we see Hugh Jackman shirtless wearing what looks very much like a collar.
Sigh.. gotta love the movies.
I’d give this one 4.75 of 5 stars.
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We also saw this movie recently and enjoyed it very much. It has very compelling and moving story elements and a plot progression reminiscent of “the classics”. And I thought it was very well acted.
Being an Ozzie we had to see the film, and as a “sub” I did enjoy it a lot.
My favorite scene was when Sarah was being taken from the airport dirt strip and travelled by truck 4WD to the old farmhouse.
She was sitting in the front seat complaining about the heat when a kangaroo flock went bouncing across the track, and she remarked on the wildlife, then Hugh said something and BANG one of the roos was shot and thrown on the truck for a future dinner !
Yes I do respect our wildlife, but we do have soooo many roos, it was so funny.
Maybe my warped sense of humor.
Of course you realise? that the Hugh Jackman type “Fella” is considered quite plain compared to standard Aussie masculinity. I suppose all that time in the US has made him a bit sissy too. (smiles).