Australia

Gripping epic, set just prior to WWII, bursts at the seams with charismatic star turns by Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. She's a prim English aristocrat who returns to Australia to claim an inherited ranch, and he's a rugged drover who helps her battle wealthy land-grabbers trying to steal it from her. To make matters worse, the Japanese are threatening to invade the continent. Bryan Brown, Jack Thompson, Essie Davis, Brandon Walters. Produced, cowritten and directed by Baz Luhrmann.