As I am living in Darwin for last ten years I also have great liking of Australian Landscape and its vastness. I am a regular visitor of Litchfield National park and Kakadu National park, I like fishing in the creeks and picnic on the river boat of Mary River (Apparently having highest number of Crocodile concentration). Due to my profession I also have lots of dealing with livestock export from Darwin. I also have some experience of visiting cattle yards and farm.
When Baz came to Darwin for filming `Australia` I also enjoyed the festive atmosphere of Darwin. Naturally as like many other Territorians I also had a very high expectation of the film. My expectation was definitely fuelled by amount of media attention specially liking of Oprah Winfrey in her show.
But I am sorry to say like Mr. Kader I also became very disappointed with the film. In the movie only positive side I can see is the true presentation of the Stoke Hill Warf of Darwin and the Cattle loading in the ship. The vastness of the Territory as I experiences through the above was completely missing from the film.
Baz also did not do a good justice to the history of Darwin. Japanese never landed in Darwin and now due to this film most of the young generation of Australia will have a wrong understanding of the history. On the other hand permits for the half cast to come out at night was a reality and presented nicely.
As for story I am not sure why Baz did not use story like `Durack` family of Kununurra. The story of the family could represent the outback in a wonderful way with proper justice to its history. Bollywood like story did not do any justice to Australian way of life.
As like Zia I will also recommend, if any one like to know about Australia he should watch recent movie like `Ten Canoes` or little old `Rabbit Proof Fence`.
Chowdhury Sadaruddin
Darwin
14/01/08
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Home Page Published on: 15-Jan-2009 
