We of the Never Never

In my opinion, We of the Never Never is one of the greatest Australian movies filmed. Based on the book of the same name by Jeannie Gunn; her personal experiences on Elsey Station in the Northern Territory in 1902 provides a stunning account of the era.

Staring Angela Punch McGregor and Arthur Dignam, the story is based on Aeneas Gunn becoming the manager of a cattle station. With Jeannie Gunn moving from suburban Melbourne with her husband, she was forced to quickly learn to deal with both the headstrong station hands and interact with the local aboriginal population. Her attempts to modify the thinking and behaviour of the hardened station men whilst learning the ways of the aboriginal culture saw her gain acceptance in both groups despite the mutual distrust of the station hands and aboriginal population.

While not a direct remake; Baz Luhrmann's Australia attempted to recreate much of the feeling of We of the Never Never; although sporting a quality cast staring Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman, the movie unfortunately failed. The amazing cinematography of the 2008 released Australia set in the Kimberly region of Western Australia matched the 1982 production of We of the Never Never with advances in filmography; however, the plot was just terrible and can't be compared.

However, unlike the $2.5 million budget of We of the Never Never, the weak story line of the $130 million budgeted Australia was actually historically incorrect - possibly manufactured for international audiences and poorly educated locals. Ironically, Arthur Dignam also acted in Luhrmann's Australia with Luhrmann's attempted masterpiece; unfortunately never soaring to the heights of Igor Auzins' timeless classic.