Luhrmann has sought to capture the essence of his country in "Australia," a sweeping period romance between an English aristocrat (Nicole Kidman) and a Down Under cattle "drover" (Hugh Jackman). This most expensive and ambitious Oz film ever is set in the Outback against the backdrop of Australia's conflict with Japan during World War II. It marks a departure from the helmer's earlier "Red Curtain Trilogy" of "Strictly Ballroom," "Romeo + Juliet" and "Moulin Rouge." "No pressure," Luhrmann laughs when the magnitude of his ambition is put to him.
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