The film *Ned Kelly* comes down to Regina versus us, a portrayal of The Kelly Gang. Gregor Jordan directed and John Michael McDonagh wrote the screenplay, adapted from Robert Drewe’s “Our Sunshine.” Heath Ledger, Orlando Bloom, Naomi Watts, Geoffrey Rush, and Joel Edgerton lead the cast. Klaus Badelt composed the music, and Oliver Stapleton was responsible for the cinematography. Is it an Australian Robin Hood? Not precisely, but the name and story of Ned Kelly endure. As with many films depicting historical events, it’s best to view this as one perspective on what happened, rather than a straightforward account of history. The essence of Ned Kelly is present, and the film surrounding him is visually striking. It also features strong performances from the main actors—though their accents and facial hair aren't always convincing—and Jordan infuses it with poetic touches, creating an atmosphere and sense of authenticity. However, limitations imposed by budget and length are apparent, leaving much of the narrative feeling unfinished. There’s a noticeable issue with how Geoffrey Rush’s character is utilized; despite his significance in Kelly lore, he remains largely on the sidelines. Nevertheless, these shortcomings don't prevent it from being an enjoyable film. The visuals are consistently gorgeous, Badelt’s somber score is excellent, and Jordan stages the action sequences effectively. A truly definitive movie about the Ned Kelly Gang remains to be made, because while this production demonstrates a respect for the original stories, it only touches on a fascinating chapter of Australian history. 7/10

Source on TMDB