Not a bad flick. It seemed a bit corny at first, the way older films can be, but once I adjusted my thinking I was able to sit back and enjoy the tale.

A quote I really liked, from the Hugh Jackman character Dover:

“Most people like to own things. You know, land, luggage, other people. Makes them feel secure. But all that can be taken away. And in the end, the only thing you really own is your story.”

In this epic tale of Australia’s pre-WW2 Northern Territories, you will abosolutely fall in love with the aboriginal child, Nullah (Brandon Walters). His water tower episode is gripping, the stampede scene is unforgettable, and his departure for the mission tearful. Nicole Kidman is not bad as the stiff but resilient Lady Ashley, and Hugh Jackman plays his usual stud self as Drover, the untamable cowhand. Romance, action, greed, spirituality…even a little humor (Nullah in the tree!)…this film has something for everyone, including a half a zillion references to the “Wizard of Oz,” pun fully intended by director Baz Luhrman.

A beautifully shot movie. Wonderful cast.

It was a sprawling epic of a western, though set in Australia. And once I finished that movie, I got a coda on the story. Then it gave me a World War II movie as lagniappe.

Everything movies should be, but twice as much.