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The Story of Ned Kelly
Ned Kelly, revered by some as a national hero and loathed by others as a murderous bandit. Regardless of what you might think about Australia's most infamous bushranger, Ned Kelly's story is both fascinating and compelling. Narrated by Charles 'Bud' Tingwell and introduced by Ian Jones, an eminent Kelly historian and author, "The Story of Ned Kelly" takes you on an exciting journey through the events of Ned Kelly's life and the country that shaped it, told through rare photographs and press drawings. Accompany Jones as he visits various sites throughout North Eastern Victoria made famous by the Kelly Gang, including the Kelly and Police caves, Stringybark Creek, Joe Byrne and Aaron Sherritt's secret hideout in Byrnes Gully, and, of course, Glenrowan, the site of Ned Kelly's last stand. Jones' intimate knowledge of these sites and the remarkable events that transpired at them, makes compelling viewing for Kelly enthusiasts or anyone who has an interest in our rich history.
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Plot Summary
This film delves into the life of Australian bushranger Ned Kelly, a notorious outlaw who became a folk hero. It chronicles his rise from a poverty-stricken Irish immigrant family to becoming a national fugitive, engaging in a violent conflict with the colonial police. The narrative explores the social and political conditions that shaped Kelly's destiny and his eventual downfall.
Critical Reception
The film received mixed to negative reviews, with many critics finding its portrayal of Ned Kelly to be uninspired and lacking in depth. While some praised its ambition to present a different perspective on the outlaw, others felt it failed to capture the essence of the legend. Audience reception was similarly divided, with some appreciating the historical narrative and others criticizing its pacing and character development.
What Reviewers Say
Despite a compelling subject, the film struggles to deliver a memorable or nuanced portrayal of Ned Kelly.
Critics found the narrative pacing uneven and the character motivations unclear.
Some reviewers noted the film's attempt at historical authenticity but felt it fell short in execution.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews and specific like/dislike summaries is not readily available for this title.
Fun Fact
While Mick Molloy is primarily known as a comedian in Australia, he took on the dramatic lead role of Ned Kelly in this film, a significant departure from his usual comedic performances.
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