Faraway Downs

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. :)

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.

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.

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.

You must actually get Baz Luhrmann to get the brilliance here. Haunting and eloquent. Insightful and poetic. Tragic and breathtaking. All at once.

This will no doubt be a show that I will watch again and again. And I will encourage my writing students to study the example that Luhrmann demonstrates in this masterpiece of how to put an audience squarely in the skin of the protagonists, give those characters believable, sympathetic qualities and a balance of flaws, and then take the audience on a thrilling ride.

This adaptation sweeps us up from the very beginning and transports us to another world. I fully expect Emmys all around. Nothing was left on the floor.