Ned Kelly
Starring: Heath Ledger, Orlando Bloom, Naomi Watts, Geoffrey Rush, Joel Edgerton
Directed by: Gregor Jordan
Rating: R
Genre: Action, Western, Biography
2004
Times Seen:
Tim: 1
Summary: An Irishmen living in Australia, Ned Kelly (Heath Ledger) grows tired of the injustice at the hands of corrupt local lawmen. He forms a gang with his best friend (Orlando Bloom) and become outlaws of justice, but heroes to the local people.
Review:
Tim: This is a very good movie that more people need to see. It is a small film, and almost no one saw it during its theatrical release. Those people can make up for it now. The story of Ned Kelly is a fascinating one, told bravely in this film.
Heath Ledger makes a superb Kelly- he is both believable as an outlaw, and as a man searching for justice. His narration throughout the movie only helps us identify with him. He has an incredible partner in Orlando Bloom. He is so fun to watch on screen and he proves he's equally good in smaller films as in mega blockbusters. Ledger and Bloom are two of the most promising young actors in Hollywood, and it is great to see them together on the screen. Naomi Watts is good in her supporting role. Her scenes with Ledger are enjoyable. Geoffrey Rush has very little to do, and seems to have have much more fun playing Captain Barbosa in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.
Ned Kelly is one of the better outlaw movies made. Australian outlaws are seen too seldom on the big screen, and I'm glad for this film.
The climactic battle in town is incredible. It is amazing how famous (or infamous) Ned Kelly became, and the movie ends how it needed to end- powerfully and emotionally.
Putting aside the historical discrepancies, this is really a beautiful movie. I thoroughly enjoyed it. On a final note, don't miss the song playing during the credits at the end. It is hauntingly good.
Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8
If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Kingdom of Heaven, A Knight's Tale, American Outlaws, The Lord of the Rings trilogy