Movies About Australia

From Bruce Beresford, starring Edward Woodward, Jack Thompson, John Waters, Bryan Brown
Rated PG

Based on a true story, Breaker Morant tells the story of Australian soldiers Harry "Breaker" Morant (Edward Woodward), Peter Handcock (Bryan Brown) and George Witton (Lewis Fitz-Gerald) who are court-martialed and charged with murder during the Boer War. As their case is heard, their defense lawyer Major J.F. Thomas (Jack Thompson) reveals the injustices of their treatment and the real motives behind their trial. As their story is presented in court and their guilt is brought into question, the unfairness of their plight is brought to light and their sense of honor and loyalty is tested. Ultimately, it is up to the court to determine their fate, and their ultimate sacrifice will be remembered forever.

From Scott Hicks, starring Geoffrey Rush, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Justin Braine, Sonia Todd
Rated PG-13

Shine is an Academy Award-winning biographical drama film directed by Scott Hicks and loosely based on the life of Australian pianist David Helfgott. The film stars Geoffrey Rush as Helfgott, a musical prodigy whose career is cut short by family pressures and a nervous breakdown. After a lengthy recovery, Helfgott is able to regain his love of music and go on to achieve international acclaim. Along the way, Helfgott is aided by his teacher, his wife and his friends. The film is a powerful and inspiring story of a man's struggle to overcome mental illness and ultimately succeed in his passion.

From Baz Luhrmann, starring Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, John Leguizamo, Jim Broadbent
Rated PG-13

Moulin Rouge! is a 2001 musical romantic drama film directed by Baz Luhrmann. The film follows a young poet, Christian (Ewan McGregor), who falls in love with the star courtesan of the Moulin Rouge, Satine (Nicole Kidman). As they pursue a relationship, they must confront the dark underworld of the Parisian nightclub, while also struggling against the pressures of the affluent Duke (Richard Roxburgh), who desires Satine for himself. Through a series of musical numbers, the film celebrates the love between Christian and Satine, exploring the power of art and beauty in the face of adversity.

From Stephan Elliott, starring Hugo Weaving, Guy Pearce, Terence Stamp, Rebel Penfold-Russell
Rated R

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is a 1994 Australian comedy-drama film directed by Stephan Elliott. It tells the story of two drag queens, Tick (Hugo Weaving) and Adam (Guy Pearce), and a transgender woman, Bernadette (Terrence Stamp), who journey across the Australian desert in a tour bus named "Priscilla" to perform a drag show at a resort in Alice Springs. Along their journey, they encounter various people and challenges, including homophobic locals, a country western singer and her son, and a feuding couple. Ultimately, the trio discover acceptance in each other and in the people they meet. The film is an exploration of the themes of friendship, tolerance, and acceptance, and is highly acclaimed for its unique visual style and its moving performances.

From Jane Campion, starring Holly Hunter, Harvey Keitel, Sam Neill, Anna Paquin
Rated R

The Piano is a 1993 drama-romance film directed by Jane Campion, starring Holly Hunter, Harvey Keitel, and Sam Neill. The story follows a mute Scottish woman named Ada McGrath, who moves to New Zealand with her young daughter Flora in the late 19th century. Ada has brought along her beloved piano as a connection to her past life, but upon arrival, her new husband refuses to transport it to their home. In order to pay for the transportation, Ada accepts a proposition from a local landowner, George Baines, who offers to trade land for piano lessons. Despite their differences in background, Ada and George soon find themselves drawn to each other. As their relationship deepens, Ada must find a way to reconcile her passion for the piano and her love for George. The Piano is an affecting and powerful exploration of love, identity, and freedom.

From Peter Weir, starring Rachel Roberts, Anne-Louise Lambert, Vivean Gray, Helen Morse
Rated PG

From Peter Weir, starring Mel Gibson, Mark Lee, Bill Kerr, Harold Hopkins
Rated PG

From Phillip Noyce, starring Everlyn Sampi, Tianna Sansbury, Kenneth Branagh, Laura Monaghan
Rated PG

From David Michôd, starring James Frecheville, Guy Pearce, Joel Edgerton, Bryce Lindemann
Rated R

From John Hillcoat, starring Ray Winstone, Guy Pearce, Emily Watson, Richard Wilson
Rated R

From Ray Lawrence, starring Anthony LaPaglia, Geoffrey Rush, Rachael Blake, Kerry Armstrong
Rated R

From Neil Armfield, starring Heath Ledger, Abbie Cornish, Geoffrey Rush, Tom Budge
Rated R

From P.J. Hogan, starring Toni Collette, Rachel Griffiths, Bill Hunter, Sophie Lee
Rated R

From Rob Sitch, starring Sam Neill, Billy Mitchell, Roz Hammond, Christopher-Robin Street
Rated PG-13

From Elissa Down, starring Rhys Wakefield, Luke Ford, Toni Collette, Erik Thomson
Rated PG-13

From Baz Luhrmann, starring Paul Mercurio, Tara Morice, Bill Hunter, Pat Thomson
Rated PG

From Paul Cox, starring Julia Blake, Charles 'Bud' Tingwell, Kristine Van Pellicom, Kenny Aernouts
Rated R

From Gillian Armstrong, starring Judy Davis, Sam Neill, Wendy Hughes, Robert Grubb
Rated G

From John Curran, starring Mia Wasikowska, Adam Driver, Lily Pearl, Philip Dodd
Rated PG-13

From Peter Weir, starring Mel Gibson, Sigourney Weaver, Linda Hunt, Bembol Roco
Rated PG

From Andrew Dominik, starring Eric Bana, Simon Lyndon, Vince Colosimo, Renée Brack
Rated R

From Peter Weir, starring Richard Chamberlain, Olivia Hamnett, David Gulpilil, Frederick Parslow
Rated PG

From Wayne Blair, starring Chris O'Dowd, Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy, Shari Sebbens
Rated PG-13

From Warwick Thornton, starring Rowan McNamara, Marissa Gibson, Mitjili Napanangka Gibson, Scott Thornton
Rated Not Rated

From Chris Noonan, starring James Cromwell, Magda Szubanski, Christine Cavanaugh, Miriam Margolyes
Rated G