56
Metascore
16 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 90The Hollywood ReporterThe Hollywood ReporterExpertly combining the personal and the epic, Jordan has crafted an excellent historical saga that doesn't collapse under the weight of too much history.
- 80VarietyDavid StrattonVarietyDavid StrattonAn impressively staged, dark-toned revisiting of the life and times of Australia's boldest and most charismatic outlaw.
- 70Film ThreatFilm ThreatIt’s an exciting movie filled with plenty of action, adventure, beautiful cinematography and best of all, terrific performances.
- 70Village VoiceJessica WinterVillage VoiceJessica WinterThe film marks a welcome departure from the usual rah-rah machismo of the semi-nationalist action adventure, but Jordan never escapes the mighty shadow of "The Thin Red Line"--from the grace-note inserts of exotic birds, snakes, and foliage to Ledger's laconic, sometimes haiku-like voice-over to Klaus Badelt's embarrassingly Zimmer-derivative score.
- 70Dallas ObserverJean OppenheimerDallas ObserverJean OppenheimerDespite the idealized portrait of Kelly and the very predictable plot, the film proves engaging, thanks in large measure to Ledger's sympathetic and believable performance.
- 67Entertainment WeeklyLisa SchwarzbaumEntertainment WeeklyLisa SchwarzbaumA boggy mix of fact, fiction, and changeable wigs and beards worn by Heath Ledger in the title role, manages to shrink the grandness of the myth without clarifying our understanding of the man.
- 60The New York TimesDana StevensThe New York TimesDana StevensThe storytelling is choppy and abrupt, and the filmmakers rely heavily on voice-over narration to announce themes that are never brought to dramatic life on screen. Mr. Ledger, his heartthrob charisma camouflaged behind a heavy beard, gives a stiff, hesitant performance.
- 50L.A. WeeklyScott FoundasL.A. WeeklyScott FoundasThe whole movie is curiously distant and flat, like a museum object encased in extra-thick glass.
- 50Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittThe cast works hard, but Jordan's directing is too ponderous and slow to build dramatic energy.
- 50Los Angeles TimesKevin ThomasLos Angeles TimesKevin ThomasSince Ned Kelly -- which is not terrible, just too often dull -- has a no-expense-spared feel to it, this Focus Features release can be regarded only as an opportunity missed.