This is a film that tries to be too many things and succeeds in some aspects,while failing in others.The pros first.As with a movie I saw recently :Delhi-6,if the intention was for the film to be a showcase for the continent,then yes,it's a fitting brochure of sorts that expands before our eyes.One cannot help but be awestruck by the framing and the scale of it.Mandy Walker (cinematography) and Baz Luhrmann (director,producer,co-writer) have produced a rich array of visuals that will stick with you for a while after the viewing.The score (David Hirschfelder)complements the visuals well.The lead couple (Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman) share a chemistry that makes portions of the romance worth its while.The performances themselves,while short of the best that the two are capable of,are earnest.Jackman's scene in the bar involving blacks not being allowed entry is a recommendation to the same.David Wenham expands on his repertoire with an outright villainous turn.
As mentioned,the bane of this film is in Luhrmann's intentions.It seeks to mark a return to the good old musicals with a dash of the western and the epic cross-country adventure films.There are attempts at heavy-handed commentary on proselytization.It also champions the cause of leaving things the way they were as opposed to well-intentioned intervention.What ails the film is finesse required to handle content like this.This is David Lean or at the very least John Huston territory which need not necessarily detract the rest from attempting such movies but while doing so,it must be had in mind that it's a tightrope walk.
It's worth a watch for the visual appeal alone.Don't think it's worth treasuring.