AUSTRALIA (2008)

Summary:

Set in northern Australia on the cusp of World War II, "Australia" is a sweeping romantic adventure that follows the journey of Lady Sarah Ashley, a high-born English aristocrat. She travels to the remote continent to sell a cattle station she inherited, but instead finds herself reluctantly teaming up with a rugged local drover to protect her land from a ruthless cattle baron. Together, they embark on a perilous 2,000-mile cattle drive across the stunning yet harsh landscape.

Their epic journey is further complicated by the impending war, leading them to face the Japanese bombing of Darwin. Through their shared struggle, Lady Sarah, the drover, and an orphaned Aboriginal boy named Nullah forge an unbreakable bond, discovering love, family, and a profound connection to the vast Australian outback.

Keywords: Australia, 2008, Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, Baz Luhrmann, Romantic Adventure, War Drama, Epic.

Plot:

In 1939, Lady Sarah Ashley arrives in Darwin from England to confront her philandering husband, Lord Ashley, who owns the vast cattle station Faraway Downs. Upon her arrival, she learns of her husband's murder and finds herself inheriting the property. She discovers that the unscrupulous cattle baron King Carney, aided by the station's corrupt manager Neil Fletcher, plans to seize Faraway Downs. Determined to save her inheritance and the people dependent on it, Sarah reluctantly enlists the help of a rough-and-tumble drover to drive 2,000 head of cattle across the treacherous Australian outback to Darwin for sale before Carney can claim the land.

During their arduous journey, Sarah forms an unexpected bond with the drover and a young mixed-race Aboriginal boy named Nullah, whom she takes under her wing. They face numerous challenges, including stampedes, natural disasters, and the constant threat from Fletcher and Carney. As World War II intensifies, their path leads them to Darwin just as the city comes under attack from Japanese bombers. Amidst the chaos and devastation, they fight to survive, protect Nullah, and find their place in a world forever changed, ultimately discovering love and a sense of belonging in the heart of Australia.

Cast (Lead Roles):

• Nicole Kidman as Lady Sarah Ashley
• Hugh Jackman as The Drover
• Brandon Walters as Nullah
• David Wenham as Neil Fletcher
• Bryan Brown as King Carney
• Jack Thompson as Kipling Flynn

Crew:

• Director: Baz Luhrmann
• Screenplay by: Stuart Beattie, Ronald Harwood, Richard Flanagan, Baz Luhrmann
• Producers: Baz Luhrmann, Catherine Knapman, G. Mac Brown
• Cinematography: Mandy Walker
• Music: David Hirschfelder
• Editor: Dody Dorn, Michael McCusker

Release Info:

• Original Release Date: November 26, 2008 (USA)
• Language: English
• Genre: Adventure, Drama, Romance, War
• Running Time: 165 minutes
• Accolades: Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Costume Design.