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He picked hunky and talented Heath Ledger to play Kelly and
the pin-up boy of Australian film doesn't let him down.
Ledger is utterly convincing as Kelly and can carry the role
of the boxing bushranger because of his physical size. He's
young too and, bearing in mind Kelly was only 25 when he made
the drop on the hangman's noose, that fits perfectly.
His Irish accent is pretty good - albeit a tad up and down
in consistency - but it is the way he grabs your attention
and holds it is what is the winning thing about this performance.
His support cast is excellent, with special mention going
to Orlando Bloom as Joe Byrne and Joel Edgerton as Aaron Sherrit,
the guy who squealed on the gang. And watch out for Rachel
Griffiths who has a wonderful cameo as a Scottish bank manager's
wife who is quite taken by the arrival of the good-looking
young fellows.
Naomi Watts plays Julia Cook, Ned's married love interest,
and is good but doesn't get enough on-screen time. She is
portrayed as a lovely unhappy lady who meets a soul mate in
Ned. Perhaps it would have been better role if she played
one of the many wanton wives Kelly is supposed to have dallied
with, rather than a prim and proper one.
The action scenes in Ned Kelly are exciting - particularly
the shootings at Stringybark Creek and the last fight at Glenrown.
Picture-wise, Jordan has done some terrific imagery although
it has to be said that his apparent need to almost add in
natural history shots of local fauna and flora did become
a tad annoying.
The video transfer is superb - no complaints - and the sound
your choice of Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS.
All up Ned Kelly is an adventurous look at an adventurous
life - but one would suggest that while it has the flavour
of the era and possibly the man historical accuracy may have
been set gently aside.
Conclusion: 85% Extras: 60%.
Continued: DVD
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