THE LEGEND OF BEN HALL

THE LEGEND OF BEN HALL

There’s something quite remarkable about this Australian historical action drama, produced on a small budget and beautifully filmed throughout the picturesque Macedon Ranges in Victoria. The sheer scope of this character driven film is ambitious and deserves much accolade.

Based on a true story, the film is set in 1864 and surrounds Ben Hall, one of the most notorious bushrangers in Australian history. The film details the last nine months of his life, the highway robberies, the connection he had with his gang and how the killing of two policemen made them the most wanted outlaws in the colony with an eventual 3000 pound reward for their capture.

Jack Martin delivers a powerful performance in the titular role, supported by Jamie Coffa and William Lee as fellow bushrangers John Gilbert and John Dunn respectively. Coffa’s portrayal is exuberant and borders on flamboyant and effeminate at times. Audiences may question whether this characterisation was historically accurate.

The success of this film lies in that it delves deeply into Hall’s character. He was not proud of what he had become, but desperately wanted his estranged son to know that he was his father before he became a criminal.

The arresting finale unveils his disturbing and unjustifiable death. Ben Hall may have committed 600 highway crimes, but he never took a life, and yet was shot 30 times while unarmed. (MMo)

★1/2

4 exclusive screenings at Hoyts Entertainment Quarter from Dec 4. Tickets & info: www.hoyts.com.au or www.thelegendofbenhall.com

 

 

 

 

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