A Review of Baz Luhrmann's Australia

Last Saturday, my friend Tiffany and I went to see “Australia.” Though the much-publicized epic has garnered mixed reviews, I ultimately found myself swept away by Baz Luhrmann’s cinematic love letter to one of my most favorite places.

After a slow start that feels as campy as Luhrmann’s “Moulin Rouge,” the 2.5 hour tale finds its footing, with the story unfolding through the eyes of Nullah (newcomer Brandon Walters), a young Aboriginal boy.

Set during World War II, “Australia” follows the unlikely romance between English aristocrat Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman) and an Aussie cattle Drover (Hugh Jackman). Suddenly widowed and facing bankruptcy, Lady Sarah draws both Drover and Nullah in to saving her husband’s cattle farm, which leads to a complicated, dangerous trek across the Outback.

Romance Down Under: Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman find love in the Outback in "Australia"

With lush, sweeping photography of the Northern Territory and lots of dreamy closeups of Kidman and Jackman, Luhrmann evokes films in the grand tradition of “Gone With The Wind.” A key scene that finds Lady Sarah and Drover causing a stir at a high society ball reminded me of Rhett and Scarlett’s scandalous dance at the Atlanta Bazaar in GWTW.

Though “Australia” doesn’t consistently reach those same lofty heights, the chemistry between Kidman and Jackman is enough to make up for it. Jackman has never been more engaging or movie-star handsome and Kidman becomes more sympathetic and vulnerable as the movie progresses. But it is really Brandon Walters who ends up carrying the movie on his more than able young shoulders.

A Star Is Born: Newcomer Brandon Walters lights up the screen in "Australia"

The 11-year-old is a revelation, delivering a powerful, heart wrenching performance that lifts “Australia” well above just another big love story to a tale of abiding connection with one’s country and kin. Nullah’s fate is the film’s lynchpin and the reason I got choked up more than once.

Bottom line, Luhrmann delivers an affecting big-screen epic worthy of the hype that will leave you with a lump in your throat and a desire to explore the majesty of Australia for yourself.

Friday Night In The Flatiron District

Friday night, my friend Leila and I met up in NYC’s Flatiron District for dinner and some bargain shopping.

Our evening began at hip home goods boutique Fish’s Eddy, which drew us in with the following sign – Economy Sucks Sale. Sure enough, there were markdowns galore. My favorite find of the night was a $32 pink pitcher on sale for $8.

Fish's Eddy: colorful housewares at recession-friendly prices

If you’re looking for fun gifts this holiday season (think polka dotted plates and Brooklyn-themed mugs) that don’t break the bank, Fish’s Eddy is the place to be.

Having satisfied our inner recessionista, we headed across Broadway to Lunetta, a cozy Italian bistro that retains an intimate feel with leather banquettes offsetting a majestically high ceiling.

As I enjoyed duck-filled agnolotti and chicken with lemon and rosemary, I shared with Leila my joy over being (almost) fully mobile after foot surgery two months ago. We also talked about the tricky conundrum of taking initiative yourself versus allowing a man make the first move.

Our verdict -- don’t be coy when dealing with a shy guy, but let him close the deal and ask for a date. After all, some ’rules’ are worth hanging onto.

Coming up…a review of Baz Luhrmann’s challenged yet riveting epic “Australia” and a new addition to the Upper East Side’s crowded Japanese restaurant scene.