Watch The Shiralee

The Shiralee is a captivating Australian television drama from 1987, which has been recently picked up by streaming service, Acorn Media. Starring Bryan Brown, Rebecca Smart, and Noni Hazlehurst, this seven-part series tells the heartwarming story of a father and daughter's journey through the Australian outback.

Set in the 1940s, The Shiralee follows Macauley (Bryan Brown), a hard-drinking, tough-talking return of World War II veteran who has returned home to find his wife has left him and taken their daughter Buster (Rebecca Smart) with her. Macauley is known for his cavalier attitude and his adventurous approach to life. However, when he finds himself alone and with nothing to lose, he decides to take a chance and embark on a journey with Buster, who he has not seen in over two years.

The duo travels through the harsh Australian outback, with Macauley determined to give his daughter a life that he never had. Buster is initially reluctant to go with Macauley, resenting the fact that he abandoned her and her mother in the past. However, as the journey progresses, she starts to get to know her father, and the two develops a strong bond which helps them survive in the hostile terrain.

The relationship between the father and daughter is sensitively portrayed by Bryan Brown and Rebecca Smart, both giving excellent performances that tug at the heartstrings of viewers. Smart's portrayal of Buster is particularly impressive, with her ability to capture the innocence and vulnerability of a young girl struggling to get along in a world that has been cruel to her. Meanwhile, Brown's rough exterior portrays a man who has made his fair share of mistakes but is determined to make things right.

The supporting cast also delivers some outstanding performances. Noni Hazlehurst is the standout, playing Macauley's mother, Lily. Her portrayal of an elderly woman who is torn between her love for her son and her concern for her grandchild is both honest and touching. The character makes her mark on the show and will have viewers in awe of Hazlehurst's ability to portray her with such sincerity, humor, and poignancy.

The show is shot primarily in the Australian outback, with stunning shots of the rugged terrain that add to the drama of the narrative. The cinematography is outstanding, and the score is a perfect complement to the story. The narrative structure is episodic, with each installment focusing on Macauley and Buster's journey and the people they meet along the way. These characters are all well rounded, with each having their individual stories and their unique contribution to the plot.

In conclusion, The Shiralee is a beautiful tale of a father's love for his daughter, set against the backdrop of the stunning Australian outback. The series is a sensitive character study that tackles themes of family, love, sacrifice, and redemption with skill and grace. The performances are all excellent, and the visuals are amazing, making it a must-watch for fans of quality dramas. It is a showcase of how Australian dramas journey with universal themes and heartwarming stories. It will leave you laughing and crying, and with the feelings of hope and gratitude for the people in your life that you love more.