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From Amazon.co.uk
Making no pretence to be factually accurate, Ned Kelly is at least an engaging action film with its heart in the right place. You don't need to be a student of Australian history to know that a picture detailing the life of the notorious folk hero and outlaw is not going to be a light-hearted romp through the outback. Injustice, persecution and unlawful imprisonment are the meat of his story, all presented here with not too much of a rose-tinted perspective amid generous doses of obligatory action.
Rebellious teenager Ned Kelly (Heath Ledger) is wrongfully imprisoned for stealing a horse and, when he returns to the bosom of his large Irish family, finds that the police won't let him go straight. After being accused of a crime he didn't commit, Kelly is left with no option but to go on the run. Accompanied by his gang (among them Orlando Bloom) he robs banks to survive and also to try and get the money together to free his family from prison. There is some considerable romanticising of the story and the man himself, due in part to Ledger's affable Robin Hood-esque working-class hero portrayal. Bloom is wide-eyed and daring as Kelly's main man, and Naomi Watts as his married mistress has the thankless task of breaking up some great action sequences to play the unnecessary love interest. --Kristen Bowditch
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By "gemje"
Format:DVD
The latest of many cinematic portrayals of the Kelly Gang, this film has perhaps been underrated by critics and moviegoers following its limited theatrical release.
Although at times the film strays from historical fact, most notably with Ned Kelly's love interest (played by Naomi Watts), the changes - even if not entirely necessary - do work, and the film has much to offer with its stunning cinematography and cast performances.
Heath Ledger's performance as Ned Kelly is to his credit, Orlando Bloom shines as Joe Byrne, and actors Laurence Kinlan and Phil Barantini both deliver extremely promising performances as Dan Kelly and Steve Hart respectively.
Combined, the acting and cinematography contribute to make this an extremely moving and beautifully done film, and it therefore comes highly recommended.
The DVD extras consist of a short documentary on Ned Kelly, with particular focus on the various cinematic portrayals of the Kelly Gang, along with some photos which include artist conceptions, theatrical posters and a Kelly Gang gallery. There's no doubt that more extras - such as cast interviews, audio commentaries and/or a 'making of' featurette - would have been a worthy addition, but what has been included, although limited, is still of great interest.
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
Not as average as people make out! Its just that people dont appreciate real drama as they are so used to being blinded by special effects. Heath Ledger conveys the character of Ned with real conviction and there are some very moving scenes. Orlando Bloom brings comical relief to the movie (and smouldering good looks) as Joe Byrne, Ned's womanising best friend. Naomi Watts' character was slightly unnecessary but portrays just how alone the Kelly gang were when facing the discriminating and frankly the bullying of the Victorian police in Australia. Geoffrey Rush appeares unfrequently in the movie, but he plays his character very well if not quite similar to the character of Captain Barbossa in Pirates-we fear he has been type casted!!! Overall, an alternative movie to the usual mainstream action adventure movie but a must see that leaves you thinking and quite sombre.
Ignore some of these reviews-the eye candy isnt the only thing going for this movie-it merely draws you in!
Ignore some of these reviews-the eye candy isnt the only thing going for this movie-it merely draws you in!
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By J. C. Eames
Format:DVD
When it comes to films, music, books e.t.c peoples opinions differ. Some people don't have the same tastes as others and some non at all. People who have given this film bad press are mainly the girls (girls not ladies) as no doubt they were expecting a film with a love story and 'hunky' guys in. This was not the case as the guys had long hair and long beards, they looked scruffy, dirty, sweaty and smelly. I liked this because living in the conditions the film was depicting thats how they would look and smell. This film was not out to please anyone and someone elses comment of when they resort to eating a horse that it was the directors 'oscar' moment was in my eyes a silly comment. The film is depicting the main events in Ned Kelly's life, being an Irishman in Australia and somewhat of a famous character/legend. To some he was a hero to others a villain. In this film he is shown as a man with pride who will not bow down to the selfish and demanding will of others, even the law. This leads Ned getting into trouble and becoming an outlaw in his own country, his younger brothers all stick up for him and go into hiding with him. The film deals heavily with the discrimination against the Irish and the general evil nature of some people. Obviously the film has to come to a head and does so rather climatically and famously as some may know Ned confronts the law in an iron suit shoot out. The film is not the best ever however I did enjoy it. The acting was up to scratch the accents were bearable and overall I think it's a pretty decent film, and it's not pretending to be something it's not.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
DVD
I really enjoyed this film, its a touching story from the opinion of oppressed migrants in Australia one hundred years ago
Published 13 days ago by alex david younger
5.0 out of 5 stars
Should have got some Oscars
What have the yanks got against Australian films? "Australia" should have got some gongs and so should "Ned Kelly". Read more
Published 2 months ago by AV maestro
5.0 out of 5 stars
beautiful film
I thoroughly enjoyed this film, Heath ledger was a very gifted actor and makes the character of Ned kelly come alive.
Published 3 months ago by murken
5.0 out of 5 stars
excellent
Really enjoyed this film. It was sadder than I expected but Heath Ledger was fantastic. Definitely worth a look! :-)
Published 4 months ago by KarenO
2.0 out of 5 stars
A disjointed mess
I may be being generous with two stars, largely through wanting to see the three truly talented people in this movie- Ledger, Rush and Watts. Read more
Published 11 months ago by fat man on a bicycle
4.0 out of 5 stars
Decent film
A great performance by the late Heath Ledger, and also by Orlando Bloom but unless you know the history of Ned Kelly, or have an interest somewhat, it's not really a film to buy. Read more
Published 20 months ago by JB87
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ledger's finest?
On it's release, the reviews were mixed. I always compared this to an 'Australian Young Guns' with Heath Ledger and Orlando Bloom taking on the Emilio Estevez and Kiefer... Read more
Published on 28 Jan 2008 by R. D. Finley-day
4.0 out of 5 stars
nigh on brilliant
Ned kelly is an adaption of the true story of the life of ned kelly who was an infamous australian outlaw who ran havoc through the state of victoria in the 19th century. Read more
Published on 5 Oct 2006 by sean paul mccann
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very watchable...
From the first few scenes this movie has a distinct "B movie" feel to it. The script and plot pace feel a bit jumpy at times and there isn't perhaps the depth of feeling towards... Read more
Published on 5 May 2005 by Iceni Peasant
3.0 out of 5 stars
Ned Kelly
Quite difficult to understand the irish accent and not easy to follow the film. I had read the book, so knew what would happen but if you had no concept, this is not a good... Read more
Published on 11 Feb 2005 by Lisa Wrangle
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