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Ned Kelly
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Ned Kelly (2003) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (see all 12 | slideshow) Videos (see all 7)
Ned Kelly (2003) -- Open-ended Trailer from Focus Features
Ned Kelly (2003) -- From Working Title Films, Ned Kelly stars Heath Ledger as the 19th century Australian outlaw.
Ned Kelly (2003) -- AllTrailers.net - Trailer (Flash)

Overview

User Rating:
6.4/10   9,442 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 7% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers:
Robert Drewe (novel)
John Michael McDonagh (screenplay)
Contact:
View company contact information for Ned Kelly on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
26 March 2004 (USA) more
Tagline:
A film about the legendary outlaw whose story outgrew his life more
Plot:
After getting threatened by Kelly's friends and family, Constable Fitzpatrick places the blame on Ned Kelly and exaggerates what happened... more | add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
3 wins & 13 nominations more
User Reviews:
Merely a brief summary of the legend more (126 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
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Additional Details

Also Known As:
Ned Kelly: Public Enemy No. 1 (Philippines: English title) (poster title)
Our Sunshine (Australia) (working title)
more
MPAA:
Rated R for violence and brief nudity.
Runtime:
110 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Color (Cinevex)
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
The Sydney Morning Herald suggested that Heath Ledger was made for the role because when he tried on Ned Kelly's original iron armour, it fit perfectly. Heath Ledger was quoted saying, "It was quite eerie actually ... we're the same height and the same body weight. He was skinny 'cause he was starving, I'm skinny 'cause I don't go to the gym." more
Goofs:
Anachronisms: Glenrowan Railway Station looks 100 years old with worn timber, faded paint etc. The railway line was built in 1873, so the station would be at most 7 years old. more
Quotes:
[in the middle of the Glenrowan shootout, right before his death]
Joe Byrne: I think I need a drink.
more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in Besieged: The Ned Kelly Story (2004) (TV) more
Soundtrack:
Moreton Bay more

FAQ

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7 out of 10 people found the following review useful.
Merely a brief summary of the legend, 13 December 2007
Author: Senyales from Fraggle Rock

Based on the famous novel 'Our Sunshine', 'Ned Kelly' is a watchable film. The problem is the way the story is told. There have been quite a number of films based on heroic legends. Sadly, this one is no different and almost every moment of it is downright predictable.

The strength lies in the portrayal of the characters. Kelly and his gang are portrayed as human beings rather than the typical ruthless heroes suffering from affective flattening. On the other hand, the screenplay is so fast paced that one wonders whether Jordan really rushed through it as 'Ned Kelly' certainly would have benefited more if the script was better developed (e.g. Julia Cook could have used more scenes). As a result the film looks more like a brief summary of Kelly's life. We don't even see the trial and execution of Ned Kelly.

In the technical department, the cinematography, background score and beautiful locations deserve mention as they certainly add to the film's quality. There are some beautiful shots of the Australian landscape and the set design and few songs do give a feel of the time.

Heath Ledger is adequate in the title role but it is Orlando Bloom who steals the show. The guy seems to be in complete form (unlike his awkward presence in films like 'Kingdom of Heaven') and does full justice to the part. Naomi Watts shines in a small role. Geoffrey Rush deserved a better part but the actor nonetheless stands out. Most of the supporting cast do well. However, some of the villainous corrupt cops come across as caricatures.

Finally, Jordan's 'Ned Kelly' just doesn't do full justice in portraying Kelly's life. It ends up being a clichéd film and a mere summary of the legend. If one has nothing else to do, they might want to check 'Ned Kelly' out just to kill time but if one wants to learn about the legend, then this isn't the best source.

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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Ned Kelly (2003)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Did Ned consider himself Irish or an Aussie? LNMaguire
hero or villain? littleangel9143
Bit disappointing really. thecrazymongoose
Strange Manarisms adam_mcnulty84
What?!?! This movie is so underrrated! It deserves at least an 8!!!!!! englandsqueen
Who Cried pirategirl91
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