For anyone outside of Australia, this movie will seem a little bit corny and old school. Possibly along similar lines to the old Ma & Pa Kettle movies. Most Aussies will know this story though, it's based on characters created by author, Steele Rudd. His books are considered folk law classics. The books, and this movie, are based around the Rudd family. The Rudds moved out into the remote Queensland bush in the early 1900's, to build a home and farm the land. These farms were known as selections. The stories relate to the trials and tribulations they endured on their bit of land. What makes this movie work is the principal actors... Leo McKern (Dad), Dame Joan Sutherland (Mum), Geoffrey Rush (Dave), Noah Taylor (Joe), Ray Barrett (Dwyer)and several other top performers that fit the bill perfectly. A lot of effort was put in to make this movie look good. The set design is first class. Any, non-Australian viewer, will be at a bit of a loss to understand some of the Aussie slang used, but the visuals will smooth over any confusion. It is really Leo McKern's portrayal of Dad Rudd that makes this so enjoyable. He is a grumpy, feisty dreamer, who is forever the optimist that things will get better. Whilst Mum Rudd is the cement that endeavors to keep it all together. Dave is the loose cannon of the family... Geoffrey Rush plays him to the max. A fun movie the entire family will enjoy... like the movie promo says..."Cripes..what this country needs is a bloody good laugh"
