Don't be put off by some negative reviews of this film, there is alot here for people who know what to look for. In some ways it is a bit like the film "Unforgiven"-give it a bit of time and the deeper elements grow on you.
The film is based on the true life story of Ned Kelly-Australia's most famous bushranger. Some people say that much of this film isn't historically accurate-making themselves self-appointed history experts. Actually the reverse is true-there is a lot here that is based on known events, eye witness accounts and reports that have come out only after some false "history" has been recorded. Controversial? Certainly. Although it should be noted that many quotes and events in this film are direct excerpts from letters, eye witnesses, and thorough historical research. Criminal or outlawed innocent? You be the judge.
But note some FACTS: times were extremely difficult, the Irish in 19th century Australia were deliberately discriminated against by an unjust and misplaced British aristocracy-including in matters between the police and the public (as in this case), his mother went to jail largely for protecting her family, Ned was quite happy to replace her to get her out, the Jerilderie letter quoted in the film is true and historical, and the Kelly gang had ample chance to leave the area but wanted justice for themselves and their families. The shootout at the end was pretty much how those who saw it, said it happened. Ned Kelly was just a young and slightly rebellious spirit who was caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. But he was no run-of-the-mill renegade bushranger, let alone a murderer.
There is some poetic license in this film, but not as much as some claim-there is also a great deal of history-both romantic and ghastly. A wild young man in a wild young country, trying to find a path to life and freedom. Not something to be dismissed lightly.
I thought the film was wonderful, and does justice to a widely known and respected story in Australian history.
The film is based on the true life story of Ned Kelly-Australia's most famous bushranger. Some people say that much of this film isn't historically accurate-making themselves self-appointed history experts. Actually the reverse is true-there is a lot here that is based on known events, eye witness accounts and reports that have come out only after some false "history" has been recorded. Controversial? Certainly. Although it should be noted that many quotes and events in this film are direct excerpts from letters, eye witnesses, and thorough historical research. Criminal or outlawed innocent? You be the judge.
But note some FACTS: times were extremely difficult, the Irish in 19th century Australia were deliberately discriminated against by an unjust and misplaced British aristocracy-including in matters between the police and the public (as in this case), his mother went to jail largely for protecting her family, Ned was quite happy to replace her to get her out, the Jerilderie letter quoted in the film is true and historical, and the Kelly gang had ample chance to leave the area but wanted justice for themselves and their families. The shootout at the end was pretty much how those who saw it, said it happened. Ned Kelly was just a young and slightly rebellious spirit who was caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. But he was no run-of-the-mill renegade bushranger, let alone a murderer.
There is some poetic license in this film, but not as much as some claim-there is also a great deal of history-both romantic and ghastly. A wild young man in a wild young country, trying to find a path to life and freedom. Not something to be dismissed lightly.
I thought the film was wonderful, and does justice to a widely known and respected story in Australian history.