Faraway Downs

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.

It's not as good as you would have hoped. It's got a lot of Indiana Jones type action, storyline and production. Too much Hollywood in this and it's too bad. Predictable bad guys and of course the indigenous characters are highly moral and God like. White man bad. It's probably good for fans of the Hallmark Channel since there is an obvious Love Story. The rough cowboy and the sophisticated lady. Yawn fest. It looks very saturated and there is a lot of CGI and melodramatic music. The intro music and credits music is possible the worst thing about this series. You'll want to move quickly off the credits to make it stop.

I have an aversion to WWII "stuff" and that's how I originally viewed this from the ads. But then my curiosity of Australia took over and won, so I reluctantly watched it.

Oh my.

This is obviously compared to the movie it is based on, "Australia". And I did watch that! I remember from a few poignant and powerful scenes from Faraway Downs. Brilliant in "Australia". Brilliant in "FD".

This is not too long nor "too" anything. This is an in-depth series that, if you let it, will take your breath away many times, and will replace it with something much stronger.

The cinematography is outrageous! And they have invited us to join them on this journey which isn't always pretty or nice or kind. But it's real and it's heart opening thanks to an ensemble of excellent actors who were brave enough to share their world - the good and the bad - with us.

I hope you enjoy it just a little bit. :)

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.