Well.... pretty mediocre. Actually... bad.
Confusing plot. I was 50 minutes into the film and still didn't know all of the principals' names or relationships to each other. Clonky anachronistic dialogue ("okay"?! That was, as t'h pointed out sagely, an expression coined in the First World War), absurd plot line involving English rose. And the film never made up its mind as to where its morals were: on Ned's side? and why, seeing he was a killer? on the cops' side? showing up the poignancy of the situation? It was all a bit untethered.
Redeeming features:
The beautiful, beautiful, gorgeous landscape and light. I am now filled with yearning and nostalgia. T'h and I are plotting how to get back to Sydney.
Orlando.
Yes. Strangely, I liked him in this film. His non-acting ability was not as evident --- perhaps his part was not as challenging, and the brow furrowed less. And it helped a lot that the *curls* were in full evidence. And the beard? His? Or glued on?
I also liked the guy who played Danny.
Tomorrow I will have to be pathetic and pause all the bits where Orlando kisses anybody.
Btw, thanks for tigs; will reply tomorrow or Monday.
And thanks everyone, who answered my question about the Orchardson picture! I keep meaning to reply to all those tigs but, until I do: here's a collective thank you!