Faraway Downs: Australia

Disclaimer: I have only watched the first episode, which premiered at SXSW Sydney.

Faraway Downs is a masterful retelling of the 2008 film "Australia". In this adaptation, a young Brandon Walters is given more time to shine as brightly, if not more so, than the illustrious Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman.

While paying homage to the spirit of the original "Australia" from 2008, this rendition strives forward in narrative form and stylistic feature. It's a refreshing take on a well-loved tale, breathing new life into the story.

What immediately captures my attention is the exquisite cinematography. The film makes brilliant use of the 600 kilometres of footage originally captured during the production of the 2008 film, resulting in awe-inspiring visuals that skilfully weave together an uplifting presentation of place and people. The landscape becomes a character in its own right, enhancing the overall storytelling experience.

This time around, Faraway Downs takes a unique perspective, focusing more on Nullah's view, an exceptional portrayal by Brandon Walters. This shift in emphasis introduces a fresh and captivating narrative lens, providing an enticing glimpse into Nullah's storytelling.

Faraway Downs is a captivating and innovative retelling of a beloved classic. With its dedication to portraying the significance of place and people, combined with an exciting new perspective, this adaptation promises a visually stunning and thought-provoking cinematic journey. I look forward to the upcoming episodes to see how this story unfolds.

Outback Legacy is an engaging and visually stunning film set in the rugged landscapes of Australia. This captivating tale weaves together themes of love, loss, and resilience, while showcasing the breathtaking beauty of the Australian outback.

The film centers around Sarah, a strong-willed aristocrat, who finds herself facing numerous challenges after the untimely death of her husband. The plot takes an interesting turn when a conniving baron plots to take over her valuable cattle ranch. Determined to protect her land and legacy, Sarah forms an unlikely alliance with a skilled and charismatic cattle drover, Jackman, played brilliantly by Hugh Jackman.

One of the movie's strengths lies in its well-developed characters. Sarah, portrayed by a talented actress, brings a refreshing sense of independence and determination, defying the societal norms of her time. Jackman's character is equally compelling, as his rugged charm and expertise in cattle droving provide both a romantic and action-packed subplot.

The chemistry between Sarah and Jackman is palpable, adding depth and emotion to the story. Their partnership not only creates an engaging dynamic but also serves as a symbol of unity, as they face various obstacles together.

The cinematography is a true standout in this film, capturing the vastness and raw beauty of the Australian outback. Sweeping panoramic shots of the countryside, combined with intimate close-ups, create a sense of immersion that transports the audience into Sarah's world. The attention to detail in capturing the authenticity of the Australian landscape is commendable.

The pacing of the film is well-balanced, with a mix of intense action sequences and quieter character-driven moments. The story unfolds gradually, allowing the audience to become invested in the characters and their struggles. While some plot twists may be predictable, the execution is engaging enough to maintain interest.

Outback Legacy also explores themes of gender equality and the power of community. Sarah's determination to protect her ranch is not just a fight for her own survival but also a fight against patriarchal dominance. The film subtly touches on the social dynamics of the era, highlighting the challenges faced by women in maintaining their independence.

Despite its strengths, Outback Legacy falls short in some areas. The antagonist, the baron, is portrayed somewhat one-dimensionally, lacking depth and complexity. Additionally, the resolution of certain conflicts feels rushed, leaving some loose ends untied.

Overall, Outback Legacy is an engaging.

Cinematography is brilliant and would be amazing on the big screen. Star actors couldn't be bigger names and all bring a compelling presence to the screen. Are there any big surprises or twists to engage the audience? Maybe not, but it's an enjoyable series.

We're pretty spoilt these days which makes us very critical. Let's just look for the positives. It's so good to see so many great Aussie actors on the screen, none bigger than Hugh Jackman, a favourite especially for the ladies. Nicole Kidman still looks beautiful on screen. It's good to see Bryan Brown as well as others. The villain isn't hard to hate so his acting must be spot on. Overall, the acting is good and I especially liked the little boy, Nullah.

The visual aspect alone is a great advertisement for Australia and should bring a big increase in tourism.

I don't know the ending yet as only seen four episodes but I hear it differs from 'Australia' which also faced criticism.

I stand by rating of 8 despite no surprises because visually it is spectacular.

I missed the original movie, but this series caught my attention from a year studying abroad in Australia. The scenery is beautiful. The story had me looking up different events in Australian history, which to me is always a good thing when a show draws a viewer to research the actual history.

Loved Nicole Kidman & Hugh Jackman in their roles. Bryan Brown & David Wenham do a great job at making you dislike their characters. David Gulpilil and. Brandon Williams are wonderful in showing aspects of Aboriginal culture. The actors all do a great job at bringing their characters to life.

I enjoyed the cinematography and most of the musical accompaniment. All in all a very enjoyable watch.

I absolutely loved the movie Australia. 10 out of 10 stars, so I was intrigued to see the reimagining.

The added scenes are definitely interesting and I would absolutely recommend giving this series a watch. However, while it did give more depth to the characters, it removed a lot of the mystery that made the original movie so fun in unraveling.

The biggest letdown, however, is the score. While a few new aboriginal pieces and 'Waltzing Matilda' were fun additions, the general score is atrocious and a far cry from the original. The new music is so lacking, that it detracts from the emotions on the screen, while the original score had enhanced them.

This is definitely an interesting take, but don't expect the epic feel of the original movie. This just makes for a decent tv show.