A cinematic gem.....

It is rare for me to watch a critically acclaimed film and actually agree with the hype or plaudits that accompanied its release.  Films such as "Titanic", "Pearl Harbour" (give me the historically and factually accurate "Tora! Tora! Tora!" anyday!) and "The English Patient" are three such films that are good, but are not quite worthy of the hype that they generated during their release. 

However, tonight I have just watched an excellent and heartwarming film called "Australia" featuring Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman and the star of the film Jamal Bednarz-Metallah.  Set in the Northern Territories of Australia during the Second World War years it combines the visual beauty of the Australian outback, with a respectful portrayal of the indigenous Aboriginal communities and the racism they encountered from their rich white oppressors.  The story is told through the eyes of a small indigenous child called Nullah and an excellent summary of the plot can be found on wikipedia here:- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_(2008_film) .  I can honestly say that this film is arguably one of the best films that I have ever seen and I don't bandy that phrase around a lot.  I have favourite films such as "Still Crazy", "Hot Fuzz", "A Night To Remember", "School for Scoundrels" and "Clockwise", which I can watch time and again.  However, there are very few films that have that "wow" factor and make you realise that you are watching something great. This film is one of them and if you haven't seen it yet make sure you book out two and half hours to watch this cinematic gem.