Ned Kelly is Australia's most famous outlaw, and of course his story has been adapted many times for the screen. This newest version is surprisingly low-fi and low budgeted, and it's a crude, grubby reworking notable mainly for an ensemble cast. It feels like the ghosts of classics such as THE CHANT OF JIMMIE BLACKSMITH and THE PROPOSITION hang over it but it can't hold a candle to such predecessors, because the writing is strictly ordinary here. The characters shout profanities, argue and generally come across as unthinking brutes, which is a shame when skilled performers like Nicholas Hoult, Russell Crowe and Essie Davis essay the main roles. I never found themself warming to any of them and found myself wishing I was watching a 'proper' film as this doesn't feel like one.

It's 1867 Australia. Ned Kelly is a young boy in a troubled petty criminal Irish family harassed by the authorities. After his father's death, many men come seeking out his mother (Essie Davis). She sold him to bandit Harry Power (Russell Crowe) and hoped that he would teach him to be the same ruthless man. Over the years, Ned is pulled into the crime world by his mother. He falls for Mary Hearn (Thomasin McKenzie) and crosses Constable Fitzpatrick (Nicholas Hoult). It becomes a local war as Ned gains inspiration from the American warship Monitor.

In this version, Ned is a reluctant criminal. He is pushed into revolt. The most intriguing is his relationship with his mother. I like the section with kid Ned. It's something different and a compelling tale. There are a few awkward turns as he transitions into an all-out revolutionary. There is a lot of quickie character development. As for the final shootout, it's interesting to have that artistic flare but it's not as thrilling. This is almost like two separate movies. The most compelling story arc is his childhood which has an interesting take on the character.

Or is it? I mean who can be 100 % sure? But whatever the case may be, one hell of a story it is. Performance wise (and quite a few cameos or whatever you want to call them),the whole cast is just mesmerizing. The main character is too - mad as a cow (is that a saying?),but mesmerizing. Not sure he's too bright or portrayed as such, but you understand his inhibitions and his motivations a little bit.

There's a lot of blood, a lot violence and a lot madness overall. It's told very well, with chapters, but also two different time sets. As in young and "old" - so there are many characters, still the movie is easy to follow and to comprehend. If you don't mind the running time, the violence, some nudity and craziness all around (with characters you probably won't like too much),this anarchic piece of work will tickle you at all the right places