Ned Kelly Themes

The Australian film ‘Ned Kelly’ was released in 2003, where Australian actor, Heath Ledger, took on the role of Australia’s most historical and controversial character, Edward ‘Ned’ Kelly. The film explores Australian history, particularly the struggles with criminals. The great debate on whether Ned Kelly was in fact a hero or a villain is one that is still brought up within society today. Many judge for a criminal villain Kelly for his actions of illegal activity, and murders that took place. Whilst others judgements marry his actions with his struggles as a person and as an Irish immigrant in the 1900’s. Nevertheless individuals hold their individual opinions on the notorious character. Through the use of Themes, Genre and Political landscape, this educational piece will analyse the film before examining the stance that the 2003 film makers of ‘Ned Kelly’ held.
The main themes of the film will be explored in depth, in particular the predominant theme of friendship; how imperative it is as the Kelly gang would not have been able to get as far as they did without strong