I have to be honest, I never saw the the OG film Australia.
The 2008 Aussie adventure/drama is the only film by Baz Luhrmann, I have yet to see. After working on the stage version of Strictly Ballroom the musical, I felt it was my responsibility to see the TV version of this film. Since I do have an active Disney+ subscription and all.
Like the film, Faraway Downs stars leads Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman.
The drama is set between 1939 and 1942 with the backdrop of events across northern Australia at the time, such as the bombing of Darwin during World War II.
The film was originally released in cinemas late November 2008.
Back in 2008, the film grossed $211 million worldwide. Around 15 years after the films release, late November last year, Faraway Downs, an extended version of the film presented in the form of a six-episode mini-series, debuted on Disney+/Hulu in the USA.
The serialized version of the film featuring additional unused footage from the original production.
Faraway Downs debuted back in late October 2023 at the SXSW Sydney Festival. Which was actually a huge success in and around my parts of town.
There is so much happening across the six episodes, I cannot imagine how the (almost) three hour film got through, the Stolen Generation, First Nations relations, life on the Outback, WWII, romance and life in the NT in war times.
All the Australian actors look so much younger. Hugh Jackman still mostly ripped, with David Wenham as Neil Fletcher the series villain.
Some things never change with Bryan Brown starring in a smaller role alongside Jack Thompson and Barry Otto. Brandon Walters as Nullah is terrific.
Ben Mendelsohn as Captain Dutton looks particularly youthful.
So if you (like me) never saw Australia at the cinema or streaming or back in the old days of DVD, maybe Faraway Downs is for you.
I am happy I have watched it, whilst loving the new tune, The Way, performed by Budjerah and Matt Corby. Beautiful piece of music. The new soundtrack features a wide range of music from Aussie legends including King Stingray, Jessica Mauboy, Miiesha and more.
So if you are like me, on Disney+ maybe give this a summer viewing. The Australian Open isn't on yet, the cricket is boring AF, network TV is in full holiday mode, so what are you waiting for?
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