Watch Ned Kelly: Tale of the Australian Jesse James

Ned Kelly: Tale of the Australian Jesse James is a 2003 biographical film that tells the story of the notorious Australian outlaw, Ned Kelly. The film is directed by Gregor Jordan and stars Heath Ledger in the titular role, alongside Orlando Bloom, Naomi Watts, and Geoffrey Rush in supporting roles. The film is based on Robert Drewe's novel Our Sunshine and follows the life of Kelly from his childhood to his eventual incarceration and execution.

The film is set in the colonial era of Australia when British settlers were trying to displace the indigenous population from their lands. Ned Kelly and his family are depicted as struggling against the oppressive rule of the British authorities, who were determined to exploit and mistreat the Irish immigrants. The story begins with a young Ned (played by Orlando Bloom) witnessing his mother being arrested for supposedly helping a prisoner escape from custody. This traumatic event sets the tone for the rest of the film, as Kelly and his family are constantly on the run from the authorities.

As Ned grows up, he becomes increasingly defiant of British rule and is eventually forced to become an outlaw in order to survive. Along with his brother Dan (Laurence Kinlan) and two friends, Joe Byrne (Orlando Bloom) and Steve Hart (Philip Barantini), Ned sets out to rob banks and sabotage railway lines, always staying one step ahead of the authorities who are obsessed with bringing him to justice.

The film also explores Ned's romantic relationship with Julia Cookson (Naomi Watts), a local teacher who admires his bravery and rebellious spirit. Julia becomes a source of support for Ned, but their relationship is threatened by the increasing danger of his criminal pursuits.

Throughout the film, Ned is portrayed as a man who is caught between his desire for freedom and his sense of justice. Although he is willing to resort to violence to achieve his goals, he is also shown to be fiercely loyal to his friends and family. His bravado and charisma make him a hero to the poor and oppressed, but also a target of fear and hatred for the ruling class.

The climax of the film is the infamous siege of Glenrowan, in which Ned and his gang take hostages in a hotel and prepare for a final showdown with the police. The scene is a tense and bloody affair, with both sides suffering heavy casualties before Ned is finally captured and put on trial. The film ends with Ned's execution, but also with a sense of defiance and hope that his legacy will live on as a symbol of resistance against tyranny.

Overall, Ned Kelly: Tale of the Australian Jesse James is a well-acted and well-directed film that captures the spirit of one of Australia's most notorious historical figures. It is a story of rebellion and courage, of a man who was willing to risk everything for his freedom and his beliefs. It is a film that will appeal to anyone interested in Australian history or the story of the outlaw hero.