True History of the Kelly Gang – Movie Review
ABC Film Challenge – Action – J (Director Justin Kurzel)
Director: Justin Kurzel
Writer: Shaun Grant, Peter Carey (Screenplay)
Cast
- George MacKay (1917)
- Essie Davis (The Babadook)
- Nicholas Hoult (Mad Max Fury Road)
- Thomasin McKenzie (Last Night in Soho)
- Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy)
- Russell Crowe (Land of Bad)
Plot: Australian bushranger Ned Kelly and his gang flee from authorities during the 1870s.
Runtime: 2 Hours 4 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: True History of the Kelly Gang starts as we meet a young Ned Kelly (Schwerdt) who comes from nothing. He ends up learning under Harry Power (Crowe), where he learns a more ruthless side to life.
Once Ned (MacKay) reaches adult life, he uses his skills to make money, mostly through fighting. However, his past still haunts him, as memories of his abusive father Sgt O’Neil (Hunnam). Returning home gives Ned a chance to reconnect with his siblings, as they start to show a different side. However, Ned clashes with Constable Fitzpatrick (Hoult), leading to the family becoming the targets of the authorities and needing to go on the run.
Verdict on True History of the Kelly Gang
True History of the Kelly Gang is an action thriller following the rise of Ned Kelly and his gang. It follows his upbringing through tough times before becoming the notorious outlaw leader.
This movie is a fictionalised story of the notorious outlaw and his crew, despite the title. It creates a world where he becomes broken by society and leads to the uprising he creates. This is a strange series of events and it does show just how easily people can be broken. The performances are strong throughout, with an all-star cast who all shine.
Where to Watch
JustWatch
Final Thoughts – True History of the Kelly Gang is a strange take on the iconic outlaw.
