Spikeopath Ned Kelly is directed by Gregor Jordan and written by John Michael McDonagh (based on "Our Sunshine" written by Robert Drewe). It stars Heath Ledger, Orlando Bloom, Naomi Watts, Geoffrey Rush and Joel Edgerton. Music is by Klaus Badelt and cinematography by Oliver Stapleton.The Australian Robin Hood? Well not quite, but Ned Kelly's name and exploits live on for ever more. As is often the case with film's of this type, such as Braveheart, it's best to approach them as interpretations of real events and people, than actual historical facts. The core basis of Ned Kelly the man is here, and the picture built around him is handsomely mounted. Also ripe with strong character portrayals by the key actors (fluctuating accents and dodgy beards aside) and shot through with enough lyrical smarts by Jordan, it's a film big on atmosphere and authentic feel.However, obviously hamstrung by budget and running time etc, much of the story feels incomplete. There's also the problem of under using Geoffrey Rush, who although playing a key character in the Kelly legend, is only on the periphery of things. Still, the evident problems can't stop it from being an engaging piece of entertainment. It's consistently beautiful to look at, Badelt's mournful musical score is an absolute cracker and the action is well staged by the passionate Jordan.We are still waiting for the definitive Ned Kelly Gang movie, because although this is made with care of the source stories, it only scratches the surface of this most interesting period of Australian history. 7/10

crossrad From the very beginning, the political theme of this film is so obvious and heavy handed, that the outcome is entirely predictable. Any good textbook on writing screenplays will advise layering of characters, incorporating character arcs, and three act structure. In this film you will find none of that. The police are the baddies, and consequently are shown as shallow, incompetent and cowards. It never seems to occur to the makers of this film that police might be honourable citizens who see joining the police as a good way to contribute to the wellbeing of society.The viewer gets no opportunity to make up his or her mind on whether Ned Kelly is a good guy or a ruthless villain. The film opens with him being arrested for stealing a horse, but we get no clue as to his guilt or innocence. We see him walk through the door of a gaol, but only know that he has been inside for three years when we hear this much later in some dialogue.This film contains many shots of Ned looking at the camera with a serious expression. I found the film a real chore to watch. It is the direction for modern films, and this one put me off watching any more.

Jackson Booth-Millard I guess I was attracted to this film both because of the sound of the story and the leading actor, so I gave it a chance, from director Gregor Jordan (Buffalo Soldiers). Basically Ned Kelly (Heath Ledger) is set up by the police, especially Superintendent Francis Hare (Geoffrey Rush), he is forced to go on the run forming a gang and go against them to clear his own and his family's names. That's really all I can say about the story, as I wasn't paying the fullest attention to be honest. Also starring Orlando Bloom as Joseph Byrne, Naomi Watts as Julia Cook, Laurence Kinlan as Dan Kelly, Philip Barantini as Steve Hart, Joel Edgerton as Aaron Sherritt, Kiri Paramore as Constable Fitzpatrick, Kerry Condon as Kate Kelly, Emily Browning as Grace Kelly and Rachel Griffiths as Susan Scott. Ledger makes a pretty good performance, for what it's worth, and the film does have its eye-catching moments, particularly with a gun battle towards the end, but I can't say I enjoyed it as I didn't look at it all. Okay!

adrian_maxwell This is the worst film we have ever seen. Heath Ledger's beard was the worst stick on beard since Charlton Heston played Moses in that film. It was a travesty when the monkey got shot, but we held back our tears when Bloom said 'Ha, the monkey's been shot'. Which just goes to show how heartless the Kelly gang were. Anyway, what had the monkey done, didn't the police know there was an innocent monkey inside the inn? We bet most of the reviewers (who seemed to spend all the film in tears) didn't spot the fate of the monkey. We just knew the lion was going to get it too. What was the point of that and what was the point of the horse blood scene? Does anyone have the recipe for wombat stew? Sad to say, as we write this (25/01/08) Heath Ledger will not be remembered for this film. We hope the aborigine was paid for his walk on part, it was the only realistic, authentic and professional part of the film where the director seemed to have something in mind. Was it Jimmie Blacksmith? For an idea of the directorial standards in this film see what the director is up to in 2009.