Film
True History of the Kelly Gang (18)
Dir. Justin Kurzel, Australia/UK/France, 2019, 125 mins. Cast. George MacKay, Essie Davis, Nicholas Hoult, Russell Crowe.
Despite his relatively short life, Ned Kelly’s story is woven into Australian legend becoming a near-mythical figure in the mould of Jesse James and Robin Hood. Kurzel's film delivers a fierce counterpoint to the traditional Kelly legend by exploring his dysfunctional childhood and abuse, and is a vivid tale of defiance, rebellion and anarchy. Kelly is part of a rebellious Irish immigrant family, bristling against the outback justice imposed by local police. He falls under the influence of a bush-ranger with little regard for colonial authority and each encounter with the law pushes Kelly further into a dedicated life of crime. With a gang around him to help with the horse thieving and shootouts, and many Australian settlers applauding his exploits, tensions build toward an epic final showdown.
Despite his relatively short life, Ned Kelly’s story is woven into Australian legend becoming a near-mythical figure in the mould of Jesse James and Robin Hood. Kurzel's film delivers a fierce counterpoint to the traditional Kelly legend by exploring his dysfunctional childhood and abuse, and is a vivid tale of defiance, rebellion and anarchy. Kelly is part of a rebellious Irish immigrant family, bristling against the outback justice imposed by local police. He falls under the influence of a bush-ranger with little regard for colonial authority and each encounter with the law pushes Kelly further into a dedicated life of crime. With a gang around him to help with the horse thieving and shootouts, and many Australian settlers applauding his exploits, tensions build toward an epic final showdown.
