Fantastic locations. Beautiful photography. The kid who plays little Ned is amazing. Russell Crowe lights up the screen, as they say, as Harry Power. Maybe the film should've just concentrated on that relationship.
I think if this had come out in say 2002 it would've really hit home. But it feels... I don't know. Off. Fake. Straight men making a film about homoeroticism. Opening scene of Ma Kelly giving head to a cop, Ma Kelly being punched in the face, people putting guns to the head of babies... that sort of thing. As if "hey - shock value". It's really obsessed with men wearing dresses.
It has period authenticity at first. Then at the end goes more broad and expressionistic. Either is fine. Mixing them maybe doesn't work as well.
The film always feels as though its changing gears and/or is in specific chapters. The Russell Crowe section, the Essie Davis section, the Nicholas Hoult section, the final terrorism section. The characters of the supporting three bushrangers aren't fleshed out. Neither is Ned's girl.
It wasn't for me. I'm sure some people would really get into this.
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