DVD Corner's blog

True History Of The Kelly Gang Blu-ray Review

“True History Of The Kelly Gang” is a misfire.

Based on the novel by Peter Carey, “True History Of The Kelly Gang” centers around the life of Irish outlaw Ned Kelly. The film chronicles his life in Australia from childhood to adulthood where he has been arrested, oppressed by authorities, sold to a gangster, introduced to a life of crime, before becoming a murderous thieving criminal (and having his own gang). Ned’s family drama and relationships also play a key part in the story as well.

Directed by Justin Kurzel and scripted by Shaun Grant, “True History Of The Kelly Gang” is a bizarre fictionalized account of Ned Kelly. The tone and style are quite puzzling throughout as it feels like both a period piece and a more modern film with uber violence, flashy visuals (the cinematography by Ari Wegner is noteworthy though), flashing lights (those sensitive to flashing lights should avoid this movie entirely), rock music, and wild wardrobes that are certainly not accurate. 

The script also lets the film down as it often feels like the story is on auto-pilot. All of the plotting and character work feels in desperate need of more depth as everything we do get is lacking in dimensions. Ned himself feels shortchanged as a subject and a character as writer Shaun Grant barely scrapes the surface of who he was aside from obvious character traits. 

One thing that works well here is the ensemble cast which is stacked with talent like Russell Crowe, Charlie Hunnam, Thomasin McKenzie, Nicholas Hoult, George MacKay and Essie Davis. Crowe steals the show in a small but significant role. Rising star George MacKay continues to show range and versatility as Ned Kelly. Hoult is his usual great self. Hunnam, Davis, and McKenzie all shine in their respective parts as well.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. How does it look? Aside from a few flickers, this is a generally sharp hi-def transfer.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? A lively 5.1 track but you may want to pop on the subtitles as there are some thick accents.

The only extras are “True History Of The Kelly Gang” trailer and other IFC Film trailers

September 7, 2020 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Charlie Hunnam, Ned Kelly, Nicholas Hoult, Russell Crowe, True History Of The Kelly Gang Blu-ray Review