Watch I am Ben Hall - The Story Behind the Bushranger

I am Ben Hall: The Story Behind the Bushranger is a historical drama film that follows the life of the notorious Australian outlaw, Ben Hall. Directed by Matthew Holmes, the movie provides a unique perspective into the life of Ben Hall, who was a Robin Hood-like figure in the Australian folklore of bushrangers. The movie is set in the mid-19th century, in a time when Australia was undergoing massive changes, with the gold rush leading to an influx of people from all over the world. Ben Hall, played by Jack Martin, is introduced as a young man who has just returned from a stint in prison. He tries to lead a straight life but is pushed back into a life of crime when his old friend John Gilbert, portrayed by Jamie Coffa, offers him a chance to steal horses from wealthy landowners.

Ben Hall and John Gilbert are joined by another bushranger, John Dunn, played by Justin Rosniak, and the trio make a formidable team that successfully rob banks, stagecoaches, and wealthy landowners. As their exploits become more daring, the police force, led by the determined Sergeant Condell, played by Andy McPhee, is forced to take action against them.

What sets I am Ben Hall: The Story Behind the Bushranger apart from other films about bushrangers is its focus on the titular character's personal life. The movie explores Ben Hall's relationships with his wife Biddy, played by Joanne Dobbin, and his son. It also delves into his reasons for becoming a bushranger and the toll that the life of crime takes on him.

Despite the film's title, the movie's focus is not just on Ben Hall. The other members of the gang are given ample screen time, and the camaraderie between them is portrayed with great detail. The movie also shows the harsh living conditions that pushed many men towards a life of crime during that era.

One of the elements that make I am Ben Hall: The Story Behind the Bushranger stand out is the attention to historical accuracy. The movie's director, Matthew Holmes, spent five years researching the life of Ben Hall and the other bushrangers. The result is a film that provides an insight into the turbulent times in Australian history while also staying true to the details of the story.

The movie's cinematography and score are also noteworthy. The stunning landscapes of the Australian bush are captured with epic scale, making the film feel like a true western. The score by Ronnie Minder perfectly complements the film's tone, with haunting strings and haunting sounds that reflect the melancholy of Ben Hall's story.

Overall, I am Ben Hall: The Story Behind the Bushranger is an excellent historical drama that offers a fresh perspective on the life of a notorious Australian outlaw. The film's eye for detail, combined with its epic cinematography and haunting score, makes it a must-watch for anyone interested in Australian history or westerns.