Watch True History of the Kelly Gang
- R
- 2020
- 2 hr 5 min
-
6.0 (13,490)
True History of the Kelly Gang is a 2019 Australian biographical Western film, directed by Justin Kurzel and starring George MacKay, Essie Davis, and Nicholas Hoult. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Peter Carey, which explores the life and times of infamous Australian outlaw Ned Kelly. The story takes place in the late 19th century in colonial Australia, where social and economic injustices are rife, and many people struggle to make ends meet. Ned, played by George MacKay, is a young man growing up in a poor Irish immigrant family in Victoria, who becomes embroiled in the criminal underworld due to circumstances beyond his control.
As Ned navigates his way through the harsh realities of life in Australia, he meets a range of colorful characters, including his mother Ellen Kelly, played by Essie Davis, and a police officer named Sergeant O'Neil, played by Charlie Hunnam. Despite initially trying to make a living within the law, Ned eventually turns to a life of crime to survive, and becomes a notorious outlaw feared by many.
Throughout the movie, we see Ned's life unfold in a series of flashbacks, as he recounts his story to his daughter. These flashbacks show the key moments in Ned's life, including his childhood, his early years as an outlaw, and his eventual capture and imprisonment.
One of the key themes that runs throughout the film is the struggle for social justice, which is a concept that is still relevant today. Ned and his fellow outlaws are portrayed as rebels who are fighting against an unjust system, which is represented by the corrupt police force and wealthy landowners.
At the same time, the movie also explores the idea of family and loyalty, as Ned's love for his family and his desire to protect them is a driving force behind many of his actions. The complex relationships between Ned, his mother, and his fellow outlaws add depth to the story and make the characters more relatable.
The performances in the film are excellent, with George MacKay delivering a standout performance as Ned Kelly. He captures the character's intensity and vulnerability, making him a sympathetic and compelling protagonist. Essie Davis also shines as Ned's mother, who is fiercely protective of her family and willing to do whatever it takes to keep them safe.
Nicholas Hoult, who plays a wealthy landowner named John McMillan, also delivers a memorable performance as the film's primary antagonist. He is a ruthless and cunning figure who is determined to destroy Ned and his gang, but he is also a complex and layered character who is not easily dismissed as a one-dimensional villain.
Overall, True History of the Kelly Gang is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores themes of social justice, family, and loyalty. The excellent performances, striking visuals, and compelling story make it a must-see for fans of historical dramas and Westerns alike.
True History of the Kelly Gang is a 2020 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0 and a MetaScore of 75.