Ned Kelly (ATOM Study Guide)

Ned Kelly is a retelling of a well known story of the last Australian outlaw. Based on the novel Our Sunshine, by Robert Drewe, the film represents another chapter in Australia's continuing fascination with the 'hero' of Glenrowan. The film explores a range of themes including justice, oppression, relationships, trust and betrayal, family loyalty, the meaning of heroism and the nature of guilt and innocence. It also offers an interesting perspective on the social structure of rural Victoria in the nineteenth century, and the ways in which traditional Irish/English tensions and hatreds were played out in the Australian colonies. Ned kelly has the potential to be a very valuable source for students of History, English, Australian Studies, media and Film Studies and Religious Education.