Watch The Man from Snowy River

The Man from Snowy River, released in 1982, is an Australian Western film directed by George T. Miller. The movie is loosely based on the poem "The Man from Snowy River" written by Banjo Paterson. The story takes place in the Australian high country and focuses on a young man named Jim Craig, played by Tom Burlinson, who is left alone to fend for himself after his father passes away. Jim is determined to keep his father's legacy alive by proving himself as a capable horseman and cattleman. However, Jim's chances at success are limited by his lack of connections and the prejudice of the wealthy landowners in the area.

The main antagonist of the movie is Harrison, played by Kirk Douglas, who owns the largest and most successful ranch in the area. Harrison looks down on Jim because of his humble beginnings and views him as a threat to his dominance over the region. Harrison's plans to take over Jim's land and destroy his reputation bring about a clash between the two men that will ultimately determine the fate of the entire region.

In addition to the main storyline, The Man from Snowy River also features a romantic subplot between Jim and Harrison's daughter, Jessica, played by Sigrid Thornton. Jessica is impressed by Jim's courage and determination and supports him in his efforts to prove himself in a world dominated by wealthy and powerful men.

The movie is known for its stunning visuals showcasing the rugged beauty of the Australian countryside. The use of horses in the film is particularly impressive, as the actors performed their own stunts and many scenes were shot on location in the mountains. The iconic scene of Jim racing down a steep slope on horseback is still considered one of the greatest horseback riding scenes in cinema history.

The film's score, composed by Bruce Rowland, is also notable for its use of traditional Australian instruments such as the didgeridoo and the harmonica. The main theme, "Jessica's Theme", has since become an iconic piece of Australian music and is often played at major events such as the Olympic Games.

Overall, The Man from Snowy River is a classic Western film that showcases the rugged beauty of the Australian countryside while telling a tale of perseverance, courage, and romance. The performances of the lead actors, particularly Burlinson and Douglas, are outstanding and complemented by stunning visuals and a memorable score. It is a must-see movie for fans of Westerns and those interested in Australian cinema.

In conclusion, The Man from Snowy River is a classic Western film set in the rugged Australian high country. The story centers around a young man named Jim Craig who, despite facing many obstacles, is determined to keep his father's legacy alive by proving himself as a worthy horseman and cattleman. The film is notable for its stunning visuals, impressive horseback riding scenes, and a memorable score that has since become an iconic piece of Australian music. It is a must-see movie for fans of Westerns and Australian cinema.

The Man from Snowy River is a 1982 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 63.