There are serious maneuvers by the local authority. In order to escape this predicament, the Australian jungle keeper decides to flee in the nineteenth century. This man, Ned Kelly, faces a harsh experience as he escapes to the hinterland with his brother Dan and creates a new group with the Irish Australians a new union while there are already more tensions.
Offers a couple of well-filmed showdowns and lots of pretty landscapes, but you need more than scenic views and stylish action to chronicle a life, especially one as controversial as Kelly's.
Film Journal International
August 08, 2004
Rises above its own shortcomings through Heath Ledger's electric embodiment of Ned.
Much as late 19th century Australian outlaw Ned Kelly was a charismatic figure who won the adulation of the Irish immigrant masses there, Heath Ledger as that romantic revolutionary of the film's title breathes astonishing vigor into the role.
Ledger, talking into his chest for much of the film in an apparent effort to lend gravity to his performance, is pretty stiff, but so is Jordan's direction.
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
January 27, 2005
The story might have more resonance with Australians, since compared to American folk heroes Ledger's Ned Kelly comes off as a bit square and self-serious.
New York Post
March 26, 2004
A leaden retelling of the legend of Australia's Jesse James that has understandably been sitting on the shelf for a couple of years.
New York Daily News
March 26, 2004
A handsome, action-packed biographical drama with a credibility gap wider than the screen.
eFilmCritic.com
July 28, 2004
Ned Kelly suggests that not only do you not need anything of interest to watch, but you don't even need to see it at all.
