In 1871 Australia, heroic young Heath Ledger (as Ned Kelly) is sent to prison for horse-thievery. After serving three years, Mr. Ledger returns to the warm bosom of his close-knit Irish Catholic family. He and playboy best friend Orlando Bloom (as Joe Byrne) range, drink, and fight with their friends. When a policeman tries to pick up his sister in a bar, Ledger's anger is aroused. Alas, the Australian police force is loyal to the crown, not the peasants; and, Ledger is tired of being harshly punished by the "bloody maggots." With Mr. Bloom, brother Laurence Kinlan (as Dan Kelly), and mysterious Philip Barantini (as Steve Hart), Ledger forms "The Kelly Gang" of bank-robbers. Despite being outlaws, the handsome quartet become quite popular with the locals. But, killing policemen could shorten the lads' lives considerably
Director Gregor Jordan and photographer Oliver Stapleton handle the beautiful Australia setting.
For this nicely-produced revision, the legendary "Ned Kelly" receives assistance from writer John Michael McDonagh's adaptation of Robert Drewe's "Our Sunshine" (1991) biography. This story opens with approximately eleven-year-old "Ned" saving another boy from drowning; and, it is this "Rosebud" moment which shapes our hero's life. This makes for very effective storytelling, but all is not well. Romantic interest Naomi Watts (as Julia Cook) is very beautiful, but we do not see enough of her and, frankly, her role in the outlaw's life seems hopelessly contrived. Conversely, the character played by Mr. Barantini is too ill-defined. Getting the green and gold sash, Geoffrey Rush (as Frances Hare) serves brief but more assessable adversarial role. Also, keep an eye on Joel Edgerton (as Aaron Sherritt) for outstanding support.
****** Ned Kelly (3/22/03) Gregor Jordan ~ Heath Ledger, Orlando Bloom, Joel Edgerton, Naomi Watts
Director Gregor Jordan and photographer Oliver Stapleton handle the beautiful Australia setting.
For this nicely-produced revision, the legendary "Ned Kelly" receives assistance from writer John Michael McDonagh's adaptation of Robert Drewe's "Our Sunshine" (1991) biography. This story opens with approximately eleven-year-old "Ned" saving another boy from drowning; and, it is this "Rosebud" moment which shapes our hero's life. This makes for very effective storytelling, but all is not well. Romantic interest Naomi Watts (as Julia Cook) is very beautiful, but we do not see enough of her and, frankly, her role in the outlaw's life seems hopelessly contrived. Conversely, the character played by Mr. Barantini is too ill-defined. Getting the green and gold sash, Geoffrey Rush (as Frances Hare) serves brief but more assessable adversarial role. Also, keep an eye on Joel Edgerton (as Aaron Sherritt) for outstanding support.
****** Ned Kelly (3/22/03) Gregor Jordan ~ Heath Ledger, Orlando Bloom, Joel Edgerton, Naomi Watts