A mildly interesting story about an Australian bush-ranger that runs about half an hour too long. Very slow moving and not-engaging. By halfway through I'd completely lost interest in finishing the film, much less the "history". Apparently, for a review to be valid, it requires 5 lines of text, but I'm not sure that there are 5 lines worth of useful thoughts on a movie where almost nothing happens in 2 hours.
64 Reviews
What is The Felons Apprehension Act ?
nogodnomasters4 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This production is based on the true story of Ben Hall the infamous and legendary Australian bushranger. Unfortunately we don't see much of his exciting life, just the last 9 months. Sort of like watching "The Legend of Butch and Sundance" with the film starting in Bolivia but not as short as Monty Python's "Death of Mary, Queen of Scots." The film could have just as easily been titled, "The Death of Ben Hall" as it failed to show us why the man was legendary, just why he was dead.
The Ben Hall (Jack Martin) in this film is dull and lifeless. He is melancholy about being separated from his son. Personalty is reserved exclusively for John Gilbert (Jamie Coffa) a flamboyant outlaw. Like so many low budget films the high budget past was "as read." It has all the components of an outlaw western, but knowing what they left out made the film a disappointment.
Guide" F-word. Implied sex. Very brief nudity.
The Ben Hall (Jack Martin) in this film is dull and lifeless. He is melancholy about being separated from his son. Personalty is reserved exclusively for John Gilbert (Jamie Coffa) a flamboyant outlaw. Like so many low budget films the high budget past was "as read." It has all the components of an outlaw western, but knowing what they left out made the film a disappointment.
Guide" F-word. Implied sex. Very brief nudity.
A cut-above Australian production
eddie_baggins5 April 2017
When we think of Australian bushrangers it's highly likely that the first name that springs to mind is Ned Kelly.
The armour wearing Irish outlaw that to this day remains one of Australia's most well-known figures has had his fair share of the spotlight when it comes to feature films, documentaries and countless other iterations, so it's about time we are treated to another bushranger fuelled local production and up and coming director Matthew Holmes is here to answer our call.
Based on the true story and inspired by Holmes work on the short film The Last Days of Ben Hall, The Legend of Ben Hall sees us transported to the dangerous and violent lands of a burgeoning Australia in the 1860's were wanted bush bandit Ben Hall and his various band of fellow trouble makers are hunted through the thick surrounds of the bush as they try and secure themselves fortune by various robberies, hold-ups and other dastardly deeds.
I for one must admit to not knowing about Ben Hall and his tribulations as an outlaw of the local lands but Holmes captures the time and place in our history fantastically to give us a first-hand insight into the later life of this everyday man turned hunted criminal.
The film looks great, filmed with a steady hand and a keen eye; there really aren't many local productions that feel this polished. From gun fights, hand to hand brawls, through to simply capturing the rugged natural wilds of a yet to be civilised Australia, Holmes and his production team have nailed the setting completely but Legend's failure to connect us emotionally to Hall, some disappointing acting and a runtime that needed some extra trimming all hold the film back from becoming the truly great experience it could've been.
While he certainly looks the part, in the lead role of Hall, actor Jack Martin struggles to convey the necessary range we needed to invest ourselves into Hall as our central figure and he remains a somewhat mysterious figure throughout, as we're never shown his early beginnings or real reasoning behind becoming the figure he became and while the man never took a life as far as we know, it doesn't exactly make him a likable persona.
The other notable downfall of this otherwise cut-above local production is the supporting turn of Jamie Coffa as Hall's outlaw sidekick John Gilbert. Coffa's turn is at times nigh on unbearable as his Gilbert cackles and crazies his way through various scenarios and it feels like a turn dialled up to 11, when it needed to be dialled quite a ways back and while it's nice when actors try and liven up dramatic proceedings, Coffa's turn feels way out of place here.
The Legend of Ben Hall shines a light on a little known piece of Australian history and showcases Holmes often impressive skill as a director, that should make local and international audiences excited for his next outing, the horror tinged Territorial, that hopefully will be finding its way into cinemas sometime in the near future.
Not always on the mark and frustrating in some of its execution, particularly within its performances, The Legend of Ben Hall is however a finely put together independent local production that deserves a larger audience on home video formats than it was afforded in a brief cinematic run towards the end of last year.
3 trigger happy officers of the law out of 5
The armour wearing Irish outlaw that to this day remains one of Australia's most well-known figures has had his fair share of the spotlight when it comes to feature films, documentaries and countless other iterations, so it's about time we are treated to another bushranger fuelled local production and up and coming director Matthew Holmes is here to answer our call.
Based on the true story and inspired by Holmes work on the short film The Last Days of Ben Hall, The Legend of Ben Hall sees us transported to the dangerous and violent lands of a burgeoning Australia in the 1860's were wanted bush bandit Ben Hall and his various band of fellow trouble makers are hunted through the thick surrounds of the bush as they try and secure themselves fortune by various robberies, hold-ups and other dastardly deeds.
I for one must admit to not knowing about Ben Hall and his tribulations as an outlaw of the local lands but Holmes captures the time and place in our history fantastically to give us a first-hand insight into the later life of this everyday man turned hunted criminal.
The film looks great, filmed with a steady hand and a keen eye; there really aren't many local productions that feel this polished. From gun fights, hand to hand brawls, through to simply capturing the rugged natural wilds of a yet to be civilised Australia, Holmes and his production team have nailed the setting completely but Legend's failure to connect us emotionally to Hall, some disappointing acting and a runtime that needed some extra trimming all hold the film back from becoming the truly great experience it could've been.
While he certainly looks the part, in the lead role of Hall, actor Jack Martin struggles to convey the necessary range we needed to invest ourselves into Hall as our central figure and he remains a somewhat mysterious figure throughout, as we're never shown his early beginnings or real reasoning behind becoming the figure he became and while the man never took a life as far as we know, it doesn't exactly make him a likable persona.
The other notable downfall of this otherwise cut-above local production is the supporting turn of Jamie Coffa as Hall's outlaw sidekick John Gilbert. Coffa's turn is at times nigh on unbearable as his Gilbert cackles and crazies his way through various scenarios and it feels like a turn dialled up to 11, when it needed to be dialled quite a ways back and while it's nice when actors try and liven up dramatic proceedings, Coffa's turn feels way out of place here.
The Legend of Ben Hall shines a light on a little known piece of Australian history and showcases Holmes often impressive skill as a director, that should make local and international audiences excited for his next outing, the horror tinged Territorial, that hopefully will be finding its way into cinemas sometime in the near future.
Not always on the mark and frustrating in some of its execution, particularly within its performances, The Legend of Ben Hall is however a finely put together independent local production that deserves a larger audience on home video formats than it was afforded in a brief cinematic run towards the end of last year.
3 trigger happy officers of the law out of 5
Good Aussie Western
rutzelb5 October 2017
This is a true story.
In Australia 1864, Ben Hall (Jack Martin) wants to give up being a Bush-ranger (A bandit), but is convinced by his friend John Gilbert – aka Happy Jack – (Jamie Coffa) to give it one more go to make enough money to go to the United States. John Dunn (William Lee) joins them and together they rob mostly travelers. Ben Hall has unfinished business with his wife Biddy (Joanne Dobbin) who left him and he wants to take his son Henry (Zane Ciarma) away from her. The government is in the process of passing The Felons Apprehension Act which would make Ben, Happy Jack and Dunn OUTLAWS and could be shot on sight by any citizen.
This movie is about the last 9-months of Ben Hall's life. Before that he and his gang robbed at will and then Ben's gang was disbanded and he led a quiet life until John Gilbert came after him to continue the life of crime.
This is a very good western, and some may compare him to Jesse James although all we saw was Ben, Happy Jack and Dunn only robbing travelers and not trains and banks as Jesse James did. Later we did see an attempt to rob a mail coach with a lot of money, but it was not successful. Ben Hall was known all throughout Australia and was known to never have killed a man.
The cinematography was stunning, the dialogues were spot on, the acting by all was very good, and the music was low key, but okay. The shooting scenes were carefully done and were impressive. The movie may be a little too long, but very engaging.
Ben Hall played by Jack Martin seems to have been a reasonable man who wanted no part of killing. He even allowed a lady he was robbing to keep a necklace she wanted badly. Jamie Coffa as John Gilbert aka Happy Jack was a bit of a clown and a loose cannon sometimes. William Lee as John Dunn was simply a good follower and loyal to Ben Hall.
You keep asking what happened to Ben Hall at the end. Ben Hall was betrayed by his good friend Mick Coneley played by Adam Willson and was ambushed by the police Mick's wife Mary (Erica Field) always had a thing for Ben.
At the end of the movie there are statements what happened to all. (7/10)
Violence: Yes. Sex: No. Nudity: Yes. Language: Some F-bombs, but not many,.
In Australia 1864, Ben Hall (Jack Martin) wants to give up being a Bush-ranger (A bandit), but is convinced by his friend John Gilbert – aka Happy Jack – (Jamie Coffa) to give it one more go to make enough money to go to the United States. John Dunn (William Lee) joins them and together they rob mostly travelers. Ben Hall has unfinished business with his wife Biddy (Joanne Dobbin) who left him and he wants to take his son Henry (Zane Ciarma) away from her. The government is in the process of passing The Felons Apprehension Act which would make Ben, Happy Jack and Dunn OUTLAWS and could be shot on sight by any citizen.
This movie is about the last 9-months of Ben Hall's life. Before that he and his gang robbed at will and then Ben's gang was disbanded and he led a quiet life until John Gilbert came after him to continue the life of crime.
This is a very good western, and some may compare him to Jesse James although all we saw was Ben, Happy Jack and Dunn only robbing travelers and not trains and banks as Jesse James did. Later we did see an attempt to rob a mail coach with a lot of money, but it was not successful. Ben Hall was known all throughout Australia and was known to never have killed a man.
The cinematography was stunning, the dialogues were spot on, the acting by all was very good, and the music was low key, but okay. The shooting scenes were carefully done and were impressive. The movie may be a little too long, but very engaging.
Ben Hall played by Jack Martin seems to have been a reasonable man who wanted no part of killing. He even allowed a lady he was robbing to keep a necklace she wanted badly. Jamie Coffa as John Gilbert aka Happy Jack was a bit of a clown and a loose cannon sometimes. William Lee as John Dunn was simply a good follower and loyal to Ben Hall.
You keep asking what happened to Ben Hall at the end. Ben Hall was betrayed by his good friend Mick Coneley played by Adam Willson and was ambushed by the police Mick's wife Mary (Erica Field) always had a thing for Ben.
At the end of the movie there are statements what happened to all. (7/10)
Violence: Yes. Sex: No. Nudity: Yes. Language: Some F-bombs, but not many,.
Nobody Said Outlaws Were Smart-
OmStarsong13 August 2022
But these guys were really special.. I don't know how accurate this is, but it looks like they tried at least.. I think the problem is in the script tho.. Should have focused more on Hall and how he managed so many robberies without killing anyone.. That would have been very interesting to me.. This was just a typical Western buddy movie.. Not sure why all the hate.. Certainly wasn't that bad and better than a lot of the tripe these days.. Acting was ok, tho the Happy Guy was a bit annoying.. Cinematography was pretty good I thought.. Flow was decent.. Production quality ok.. Just felt a bit too black and white..
Except for the kids there were zero likable characters and I think that made it a major bummer.. Really just approached it wrong and focused too much on the negative.. Too slice of life for me.. Still, I'd have given it 6 1/2 stars if possible as it's still a passable Western..
Lame and over long
brianraespain26 April 2017
Warning: Spoilers
A B MOVIE AT BEST, Don't know why this movie has received such highly rated reviews, it must be the directors family !! The movie is so lame, awful script, awful acting and about 45 minutes too long. Gilbert looks like a scarecrow and I dare say that a scarecrow would have played a better part and that stupid false girly laugh !!!!! Very poor all round, lacking in action and what action there was had the police unable to shoot anything but trees (apart from the end which had Hall shot 100 times and he was still standing. All in all a big disappointment, don't waste your time with this one. Total rubbish.
What makes a legend.
garycbelleville21 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
As I am beginning to type my thoughts I know that I might upset some people. So I ask that you forgive my lack of knowledge on this matter. To begin I admit this movie was great. The scenery was amazing, awesome sights. The music I found went very well with the action and the emotions being portrayed. I enjoyed every moment. The only nag I had was Exactly what made this man a legend. This is my second movie of an Aussie Outlaw the first being The story of Ned Kelly Both were extremely well made and the scenes again very beautiful. But in this one I fail to see the grandeur of his how to say outlawness if that is a word. I know the movie doesn't show every robbery that he has done but is also failed to show us exploits that were done to earn him a title such as Legend. There is at one point were one of the men in the posse set out to catch his asks the others if they had ever dealt with Ben before and one man says yes and then another tells a story that you really can't tell if it was true or not but yet again the stories were ordinary stories nothing seemed exaggerated where as when men talk about a legend they always tend to make the story larger than life its self. After all isn't it part of being a legend to have people exaggerate your exploits. To me the only thing that seemed to be exaggerated is the title. The Legend of Ben Hall. OK you can throw your rocks at me know. But I did really much like the movie. as one review stated ,it gave a good glimpse into how life was back in those days and how far ones neighbours are in times of need. I personally love these type of Aussie movies.
The Legend of Ben Hall
allmoviesfan14 August 2023
A better film than it's more famous Hollywood-produced cousin "Ned Kelly", and starting life as a crowd-funded short film, Jack Martin plays the titular anti-hero Ben Hall, who terrorised all comers in my home state of NSW, particularly around Jugiong and Forbes in the 1860's. The scenery is spectacular, even though Victorian locations (shock, horror!) stand in for NSW, and used sets from another of my all-time favourites, The Man from Snowy River to create that Australian countryside feel.
By all accounts, the film is about as historically accurate as one can be, with some of the dialogue coming from newspaper articles and eyewitness accounts. Impressive attention to detail from the filmmakers.
Bushrangers were a big part of Australian history - nice to see a homegrown film about someone other than old Ned. Sadly, without the backing of a Hollywood studio, few of my countrymen will see it.
By all accounts, the film is about as historically accurate as one can be, with some of the dialogue coming from newspaper articles and eyewitness accounts. Impressive attention to detail from the filmmakers.
Bushrangers were a big part of Australian history - nice to see a homegrown film about someone other than old Ned. Sadly, without the backing of a Hollywood studio, few of my countrymen will see it.
Worth a watch
utubeneedsme15 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
For fans of Westerns this story has a lot of the elements you'll enjoy.
A reminder that the wild west wasn't just in the US, in fact Australia was the more deadly and I might say the more skilled robbers.
The scenery, costumes and filming plus an array of believable extras give this film an authentic feel of the region at the time, though the acting was a little patchy at times and likely required a bit more direction.
Some reviewer's critique Coffa's portrayal of Gilbert, yet there's no doubt the film needed a lively character portrayal to bounce off Martin's somewhat taciturn Hall and the nervous Dunn. And the portrayal is in keeping with what is known of Gilbert.
I think the opportunity was missed not to have a good chase scene, given the gang were reportedly excellent horseman and stole race horses to aid in their getaways. Certainly some lively robberies were not included in the film, though with so many it was hard to choose.
As it is I found the film well worthwhile as a former resident of the area to see some of the tales heard bought to life, and some of the petrol station stops of my childhood shown as the location for shoot-outs and robberies by one of the most infamous outlaws of the time. No it's not an A grade major studio film, but for those interested in the period it's well worth a watch.
A reminder that the wild west wasn't just in the US, in fact Australia was the more deadly and I might say the more skilled robbers.
The scenery, costumes and filming plus an array of believable extras give this film an authentic feel of the region at the time, though the acting was a little patchy at times and likely required a bit more direction.
Some reviewer's critique Coffa's portrayal of Gilbert, yet there's no doubt the film needed a lively character portrayal to bounce off Martin's somewhat taciturn Hall and the nervous Dunn. And the portrayal is in keeping with what is known of Gilbert.
I think the opportunity was missed not to have a good chase scene, given the gang were reportedly excellent horseman and stole race horses to aid in their getaways. Certainly some lively robberies were not included in the film, though with so many it was hard to choose.
As it is I found the film well worthwhile as a former resident of the area to see some of the tales heard bought to life, and some of the petrol station stops of my childhood shown as the location for shoot-outs and robberies by one of the most infamous outlaws of the time. No it's not an A grade major studio film, but for those interested in the period it's well worth a watch.
Terrible acting
stafforddp24 July 2017
Dreadful. Sceanery is nice though. Acting was appalling. The movie moved between comic, drama and utter silliness. I like Australian movies but this was a turkey. Costumes okay, script terrible. Actors had really nice teeth...... which is quite odd for the time period. Beards looked realistic, all I could think about was that least a few 'hipsters' were earning a few bucks!
Move over Ned Kelly!
kimbo-651456 December 2016
What a beautifully shot film!! Excellent cinematography, it almost out shone the stars!
After reading copious amounts of Ben Hall literature in my youth this is the best historically accurate telling without adding the usual 'Hollywood' style fluff to pad it out and make a more 'interesting' movie to the detriment of the real tale. It shouldn't, and didn't need it. Well done Mathew and crew!
Jack Martin bought to life the best portrayal of Ben Hall yet, as did the rest of the gang and support cast. Even though Jamie Coffa's John Gilbert, with his 'boyish laugh', was a bit over the top and sometimes annoying, I reckon the real Gilbert probably was too.
The costuming and set detail is one of the best I've seen to recreate an accurate picture of the period. That's something that's usually goes astray. Even right down to the accurate detail of the weaponry used which would have maybe even impressed the late bushranger historian Edgar Penzig. A hard man to please.
The great music score only added the majesty of the scenery and the use of traditional music off the period, always a must, added to the authenticity. The song Ben Hall as the end piece was beautifully haunting. The stunning work of Ross Morgan's portraits during the credits must also get a mention.
The gun battles were excellently and excitingly shot while the last scenes of Ben's demise were very moving to say the least. Those bastard traps!
And the most amazing thing? It was crowd funded and shot on a very limited budget but you wouldn't know.
This is a mostly forgotten history lesson that needed telling. Move over Ned!
After reading copious amounts of Ben Hall literature in my youth this is the best historically accurate telling without adding the usual 'Hollywood' style fluff to pad it out and make a more 'interesting' movie to the detriment of the real tale. It shouldn't, and didn't need it. Well done Mathew and crew!
Jack Martin bought to life the best portrayal of Ben Hall yet, as did the rest of the gang and support cast. Even though Jamie Coffa's John Gilbert, with his 'boyish laugh', was a bit over the top and sometimes annoying, I reckon the real Gilbert probably was too.
The costuming and set detail is one of the best I've seen to recreate an accurate picture of the period. That's something that's usually goes astray. Even right down to the accurate detail of the weaponry used which would have maybe even impressed the late bushranger historian Edgar Penzig. A hard man to please.
The great music score only added the majesty of the scenery and the use of traditional music off the period, always a must, added to the authenticity. The song Ben Hall as the end piece was beautifully haunting. The stunning work of Ross Morgan's portraits during the credits must also get a mention.
The gun battles were excellently and excitingly shot while the last scenes of Ben's demise were very moving to say the least. Those bastard traps!
And the most amazing thing? It was crowd funded and shot on a very limited budget but you wouldn't know.
This is a mostly forgotten history lesson that needed telling. Move over Ned!
Documentary, maybe
teutonfirst16 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
First of all boring, I couldn't cope with the main character or the rest of them. A fearless outlaw who never shot anyone, a cheated husband who hit at one of his best friend's wife, eager for revenge, never actually does it, wanted to go to America, never did something in that direction. At some point I really wanted to hunt him myself. A non hero, a non anything, with my deepest apologies to Australian people if this offends them. I never seen a gun fight where nobody is able to shoot someone, not to kill but only shoot, in my entire life. Well except the end, there apparently nobody missed ...
I liked John Doe Vigilante which was an Australian Movie but this one was a pure mess
mkbbd8 May 2017
There was no Legend in the story and named Ben Hall first seemed to be a cowboy western movie like Clint Eastwoods' The Outlaw but here it was none. Can't blame the Aussies for this but rather the director and the script was simply awful. I would say this to director - if you make a fact or true story based movie then make it like "The life of Ben Hall or The Story of Ben Hall" but don't just call it a "Legend". I would tell viewers worldwide to skip this movie and go for another which has good script and story.
Australians have low expectations
traderkenneth26 April 2019
I read review after review from Australians hailing this as having amazing acting, etc, but I couldn't get through 15 minutes of the horrible and unnatural acting. Great actors make you forget they are acting and absorb you in to the story. This felt like a low budget primary school play. I don't blame the actors. The director is the one that watched the playback of the scene he just shot and probably yelled how great it was, while everyone else on the set wondered if he was watching another movie instead. No wonder the best Australian actors run to Hollywood as soon as they can. This is one of those films you get drunk, etc with a bunch of friends to laugh at, because of bad it is. Then after you watch it, you all go to the bar and repeat the lines as bad as the actors to laugh about.
A wasted effort
markel-8749724 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Having just seen the vastly superior Australian film,'Sweet Country' about men in the outback and remembering the equally compelling movie about Ned Kelly of a few years ago, this film about a 'legendary' bushranger outlaw is a lame effort by comparison.
I am sure the historical Ben Hall was an interesting character, but you wouldn't know it from this inept script. First of all he spends much of the movie pining after an old love and his son. If he really wanted to be with his son all he had to do is put down his gun and pick up a plough. Was this longing for a family really the heart of Ben Hall's story? It doesn't seem likely or believable or even very interesting.
Also his insistence of never killing anyone is ludicrous when you consider in the 'action' parts, Hall and his pursuers fire volley after volley - in real life, these scenes would be followed by the sight of many corpses littering the ground. But like the Saturday matinee westerns of my youth, they never hit anybody and they never stop to reload. Everything is predictable, the script, the acting and the music which gets in the way. The director apparently spent seven years researching Hall's history but apparently all he absorbed was how to make the locations, the costumes, and the weapons appropriate to the period. Somewhere along the line, the real Ben Hall escaped, as he so often did in real life.
I am sure the historical Ben Hall was an interesting character, but you wouldn't know it from this inept script. First of all he spends much of the movie pining after an old love and his son. If he really wanted to be with his son all he had to do is put down his gun and pick up a plough. Was this longing for a family really the heart of Ben Hall's story? It doesn't seem likely or believable or even very interesting.
Also his insistence of never killing anyone is ludicrous when you consider in the 'action' parts, Hall and his pursuers fire volley after volley - in real life, these scenes would be followed by the sight of many corpses littering the ground. But like the Saturday matinee westerns of my youth, they never hit anybody and they never stop to reload. Everything is predictable, the script, the acting and the music which gets in the way. The director apparently spent seven years researching Hall's history but apparently all he absorbed was how to make the locations, the costumes, and the weapons appropriate to the period. Somewhere along the line, the real Ben Hall escaped, as he so often did in real life.
Australian icon who's story should be known and this is the way to learn.
cassielee-363774 December 2016
From knowing nothing of Ben hall to feeling like I know him and his gang personally. The legend it's self has sparked an interest in truly wanting to discover all about Australian history and the authenticity of this brilliant Aussie film is to be thanked. The director, Matthew Holmes, has thoroughly considered all aspects of history and has chosen the most breathtaking locations. The cinematography was absolutely wonderful and is perfectly matched with a heart wrenching score. The character biography's of all 3 leads is so interesting and is portrayed in such a personal way, that it makes one think about the helpless lifestyles our ancestors have had to endure. You can empathise with the young John Dunn and feel his inner urge to impress his cronies. William Lee's jaw dropping performance allows you to relate and find that place that we all hide in our inner Psyche, where we just wish we were a little bit older, wiser and tougher. The character portrayal of Jack (John) Gilbert makes you just see how common narcissistic tendencies can be seen in every day society. He shows how a demonic personality can entertain and thrill all at the same time. We all know someone just like him and Jamie Coffa portrays that scary class clown like a true star. Ben Hall is the vision of all our worst night mare coming true. Situational desperation which is captured by the lead actor Jack Martin, like it is a real life experience. It is a true Aussie treasure and anyone claiming to be an Australian owes it to them self to learn our history and there is no better way to explore the truth then to watch this breathtakingly awe inspiring film.
Sounds like a idea...
crasi_ionel25 April 2017
Bad. Bad,bad... Dude... AWFUL! At so many levels... Script, acting, so bad... pénible! Good image, but the rest...It is so left-handed, and the lines, so plain, so nothing... and the little helper... who moves like a drunk fairy ... oh.... There is a little girl somewhere in the movie, she is the best actress!
Disappointing
hallchas2 May 2021
This movie is nowhere near the 1975 13 part tv series; which followed the legend, and what is known about Ben Hall, pretty closely. I had to watch this film in two parts because it was excruciatingly boring. Please, please, somebody re-air the 1975 tv series.
Simply Appalling.
herodotus200710 July 2022
As an Australian actor/director I found navigating this appalling piece of melodrama a tiresome trek With a cast straight out of "Home & Away", with their whitened teeth, manicured beards and hair and make-up that is atrocious, the film gets off to a bad start. I haven't seen such dreadful acting on the Aussie big screen since "Red Billabong", another shameful melodrama attempting to be a horror film, and missing widely.
Perhaps I've been spoilt by "Mystery Road", ""High Ground", "Sweet Country", "The Proposition" and lately "The Drover's Wife", but this is horrendous. Heath Ledger's legacy with "Ned Kelly" is safe, even with the sidetracking romantic sub-plot that threatened to derail that film.
Bottom Line: If you like the now ended "Neighbours" and the endless "Home & Away" melodramatic TV shows, and the level of so-called 'acting' involved, you'll feel right at home. Everyone else will turn this tripe off after ten minutes, or like me will follow through to the end just for the story, ultimately feeling empty and desiring of a real bushranger film.
Terrible make-up and hair.
Very good cinematography, never put to the good use encompassing Australian flora and high angle shots it should have.
Noteworthy dreadful acting: "Happy" Jack and Ben Hall. Guys, a bit of advice. Pay for some serious acting courses if this is what you want to do, or just go back to waiting tables.
Perhaps I've been spoilt by "Mystery Road", ""High Ground", "Sweet Country", "The Proposition" and lately "The Drover's Wife", but this is horrendous. Heath Ledger's legacy with "Ned Kelly" is safe, even with the sidetracking romantic sub-plot that threatened to derail that film.
Bottom Line: If you like the now ended "Neighbours" and the endless "Home & Away" melodramatic TV shows, and the level of so-called 'acting' involved, you'll feel right at home. Everyone else will turn this tripe off after ten minutes, or like me will follow through to the end just for the story, ultimately feeling empty and desiring of a real bushranger film.
Terrible make-up and hair.
Very good cinematography, never put to the good use encompassing Australian flora and high angle shots it should have.
Noteworthy dreadful acting: "Happy" Jack and Ben Hall. Guys, a bit of advice. Pay for some serious acting courses if this is what you want to do, or just go back to waiting tables.
Re-make of a re-make...
GuySolis25 May 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Wow, ok. On another board this movie got rave reviews for the actors immersion into their parts, the cinematography and all that comes about in a great movie.... I'm at the part where the 3 robbers just robbed the hotel owner of his life savings and they're in the saloon with all the towns people...the 3 women they were with look so proud as they took the money and got rowdy in the saloon...I've had enough of this one. I swear I've seen this plot many times over. The annoying part is that the only people who seem to have weapons on that wild frontier are the criminals...kinda like modern day USA. Personally, if that weirdly steely eyed scoundrel were in Colorado during the same time period he would've been hanged, tortured or left in the mountains for the Coyotes or bear or birds of prey to feast on...I'm not impressed but am saddened that such low quality movies are presented to the public as an epic western.
Back in the Australian bush of the 1860s.
oldcarbuff22 January 2017
Sadly, the distribution of this film is patchy, to say the least, and it will not be found in most mainstream cinemas. That is a real pity, as it is far better than many "big name" films (I'm tempted to write a spoiler here about the one we saw a few days ago) and deserves to be seen more readily. We had to travel to another town to see it.
For a film made on, essentially, a shoestring budget, the quality on all scores is excellent. The Australian bush is captured beautifully, the casting and acting is entirely credible as are the sets and production values. The script brings out good character development in the main characters and the story itself is historically accurate to the point that it could almost qualify for documentary status.
Trying hard to look for negatives, the most I could suggest is that there could have been slightly tighter editing of some of the "moody pensive" shots and horse riding. But that was a minor consideration. I also should mention the great musical score.
Definitely worth seeing to visit the Australian bush of the 1860s and to learn of one of the most legendary of our bushrangers.
For a film made on, essentially, a shoestring budget, the quality on all scores is excellent. The Australian bush is captured beautifully, the casting and acting is entirely credible as are the sets and production values. The script brings out good character development in the main characters and the story itself is historically accurate to the point that it could almost qualify for documentary status.
Trying hard to look for negatives, the most I could suggest is that there could have been slightly tighter editing of some of the "moody pensive" shots and horse riding. But that was a minor consideration. I also should mention the great musical score.
Definitely worth seeing to visit the Australian bush of the 1860s and to learn of one of the most legendary of our bushrangers.
A Disastrous Movie and the Actor of Ben Hall Who Fails to Impress
David689449 May 2023
"The Legend of Ben Hall" is an absolute disaster of a film that should be avoided at all costs. Not only does it suffer from a myriad of issues, but it also features one of the most unconvincing and lackluster performances by the lead actor, making it a truly unbearable cinematic experience.
Let's dive into the film's biggest flaw-the actor portraying Ben Hall. His portrayal is nothing short of cringe-inducing, lacking any semblance of talent or skill. From the very first scene, it becomes painfully apparent that this actor is ill-equipped to bring the legendary bushranger to life. His performance is devoid of depth, emotion, and any sense of authenticity. The lack of charisma and inability to connect with the character makes it impossible to invest in the story or care about the outcome.
Moving on to the film itself, the narrative is an absolute mess. It stumbles through a disjointed series of events without a coherent thread to tie them together. The pacing is haphazard, with scenes that abruptly jump from one to another, leaving the audience disoriented and unengaged. There is a complete absence of tension or suspense, as the story fails to build any meaningful stakes or captivate the viewer.
Furthermore, the technical aspects of the movie are equally disappointing. The cinematography is uninspired, with dull and unimaginative shots that fail to capture the beauty of the Australian landscape. The production design lacks attention to detail, resulting in a visually unimpressive and forgettable experience. Even the action sequences are lackluster, devoid of excitement or any sense of choreography.
It's particularly disheartening to witness the wasted potential of "The Legend of Ben Hall." The story of a legendary bushranger should have been gripping and enthralling, but instead, it falls flat on its face. The film's inability to deliver a compelling narrative or memorable characters is a true disservice to the historical figure it seeks to portray.
In conclusion, "The Legend of Ben Hall" is an utter disappointment. From the atrocious performance by the lead actor to the incoherent storytelling and lackluster technical execution, it fails to leave any positive impression. This movie does a disservice to both the legacy of Ben Hall and the audience's expectations. Save yourself the agony of watching this film and explore other, more worthwhile options instead.
Let's dive into the film's biggest flaw-the actor portraying Ben Hall. His portrayal is nothing short of cringe-inducing, lacking any semblance of talent or skill. From the very first scene, it becomes painfully apparent that this actor is ill-equipped to bring the legendary bushranger to life. His performance is devoid of depth, emotion, and any sense of authenticity. The lack of charisma and inability to connect with the character makes it impossible to invest in the story or care about the outcome.
Moving on to the film itself, the narrative is an absolute mess. It stumbles through a disjointed series of events without a coherent thread to tie them together. The pacing is haphazard, with scenes that abruptly jump from one to another, leaving the audience disoriented and unengaged. There is a complete absence of tension or suspense, as the story fails to build any meaningful stakes or captivate the viewer.
Furthermore, the technical aspects of the movie are equally disappointing. The cinematography is uninspired, with dull and unimaginative shots that fail to capture the beauty of the Australian landscape. The production design lacks attention to detail, resulting in a visually unimpressive and forgettable experience. Even the action sequences are lackluster, devoid of excitement or any sense of choreography.
It's particularly disheartening to witness the wasted potential of "The Legend of Ben Hall." The story of a legendary bushranger should have been gripping and enthralling, but instead, it falls flat on its face. The film's inability to deliver a compelling narrative or memorable characters is a true disservice to the historical figure it seeks to portray.
In conclusion, "The Legend of Ben Hall" is an utter disappointment. From the atrocious performance by the lead actor to the incoherent storytelling and lackluster technical execution, it fails to leave any positive impression. This movie does a disservice to both the legacy of Ben Hall and the audience's expectations. Save yourself the agony of watching this film and explore other, more worthwhile options instead.
Film making at it's very best...Bravo Australia
stevenhenry_6927 April 2017
I can recall a UK TV series Ben Hall in the 70's with the very excellent Jon Finch in the lead...it was brooding and atmospheric with great acting...so I was interested to see how this telling of the tale would stack up. In short it far surpassed expectation.I was mesmerised by the sheer spectacle of the cinematography, the sublime acting especially by Jack Martin who reminded me of Danial Day Lewis which is not a bad thing,and a script which only included what was needing saying...And yes, it was brooding, it was atmospheric...with landscape to die for...This is a film the Australian film industry and especially all involved can justly be extremely proud of,it was a "simply outstanding" movie. Australia has made some cracking movies in the past and this stands up there with the best of them. If only Hollywood would / could produce more of this quality movie instead of the constant drivel it churns out with only the occasional gem. I have only ever bothered to review one other movie before that was " INK" by Jamin Winans...another masterpiece and a low budget independent. Nothing else was really worth the effort...Trust me..this movie is well worth watching
From small acorns big things will grow. Independent Australian Cinema at its finest!
azanti00293 December 2016
I need to state I have NO direct connection to the Production of TLOBH, other than I became aware of it when it was a crowd funded short and have followed its journey from afar, on line, ever since. I remember thinking then that the scale of the story seemed to lend itself better to a feature film, clearly the creative team thought the same and thank god they did, thus comes the tale of Ben Hall (Jack Martin) a father and low level criminal who didn't willingly choose a life of crime. Hall is forced to choose between a life of poverty and one that might provide his family with a decent future. Therein lies the dichotomy for the central character in this engaging study of Australia's first elusive Bushranger. Along with his gang of robbers, a mixed bunch if ever there was one, John Dunn and Johnny Gilbert (Jamie Coffa and William Lee) the unlikely trio force the law enforcement to take action and the hunt for them is on. Will Hall's ever deeper slide into a life of crime push him away from his family forever or can he give them all a new life before it's too late?
Criminally ignored by Austrailia's film festival circuit, I find it incredible that this is a feature film that started out from nothing, with very little assistance from the larger bodies of the professional industry down under has not been better supported by the movers and shakers in the industry in Oz. If ever there were a film to praise under such circumstances it would be this one. Matthew Holmes and his team have created a rich and believable world here, full of texture and character of the period that is entirely convincing. The action scenes are tense & gripping while the cast of largely unknowns, hold their own against many of Australians cinema leading contemporaries. The lead performance of Jack Martin is appropriately cold and well measured while Jamie Coffa brings an unusually camp energy to the proceedings which leaves one wondering if wine & women were not the only things his character were into. Holmes gets strong performances from the rest of his cast too - stand outs for me were Callan McAuliffe, whom I genuinely believed was an English actor from his accent and very nicely underplayed. William Lee is appropriately nervy while the man charged with Halls Capture, the Constable who hopes in vein to take Hall alive (The actors name I cannot recall) was extremely natural. Matthew Holmes clearly had a strong vision for his film and he has stamped it in all the right places. The rolling landscapes of New South Wales, not somewhere I am at all familiar with, were brought vividly to life, production design was excellent and the score by Ronnie Minder is something James Horner would have been proud of.
In the digital age it is perhaps more feasible to make a feature film than ever before, but still not many people do it and that's because its hard, to make a period film, even more so, a further dilemma, when your hero is really an anti hero and the film is not a traditional good vs evil story, here everything is far more shades of grey, risky, but the film is so much stronger for it. It is right and proper that the film is now getting a decent release and I strongly urge you to support it. Anyone who likes the Western genre is unlikely to be disappointed here and while the film may feel long, the journey of the characters cracks along and the end creeps up on you before you know it. More like this from Australian Cinemas please.
Criminally ignored by Austrailia's film festival circuit, I find it incredible that this is a feature film that started out from nothing, with very little assistance from the larger bodies of the professional industry down under has not been better supported by the movers and shakers in the industry in Oz. If ever there were a film to praise under such circumstances it would be this one. Matthew Holmes and his team have created a rich and believable world here, full of texture and character of the period that is entirely convincing. The action scenes are tense & gripping while the cast of largely unknowns, hold their own against many of Australians cinema leading contemporaries. The lead performance of Jack Martin is appropriately cold and well measured while Jamie Coffa brings an unusually camp energy to the proceedings which leaves one wondering if wine & women were not the only things his character were into. Holmes gets strong performances from the rest of his cast too - stand outs for me were Callan McAuliffe, whom I genuinely believed was an English actor from his accent and very nicely underplayed. William Lee is appropriately nervy while the man charged with Halls Capture, the Constable who hopes in vein to take Hall alive (The actors name I cannot recall) was extremely natural. Matthew Holmes clearly had a strong vision for his film and he has stamped it in all the right places. The rolling landscapes of New South Wales, not somewhere I am at all familiar with, were brought vividly to life, production design was excellent and the score by Ronnie Minder is something James Horner would have been proud of.
In the digital age it is perhaps more feasible to make a feature film than ever before, but still not many people do it and that's because its hard, to make a period film, even more so, a further dilemma, when your hero is really an anti hero and the film is not a traditional good vs evil story, here everything is far more shades of grey, risky, but the film is so much stronger for it. It is right and proper that the film is now getting a decent release and I strongly urge you to support it. Anyone who likes the Western genre is unlikely to be disappointed here and while the film may feel long, the journey of the characters cracks along and the end creeps up on you before you know it. More like this from Australian Cinemas please.
Great Aussie Flick
gbeasley-178-5494185 May 2017
If I knew about The Legend of Ben Hall last year then I would of seen it in the cinemas. I found out about this awesome film in a class at film school after being tasked with researching it, I found that I was in need of getting this film for myself. Recently I found it at DVD store so I brought it and watched it.
My opinion of the film; that it's a great Aussie Film. The acting, costuming, props, and everything about it was amazing. The lengths that Matthew Holmes went to keep it historically accurate amazed me. Many films can say they are accurate but in most cases they are betrayed in a fictional and story driven way. However this isn't the case here. When I finished watching it, I had to have a moment to take in the visuals. Because they are amazing. I was very much liked them to a point where I went and watched the special features to find out how they made it. The film is something that audiences love out Hollywood Westerns. It capabilities that essences but it isn't necessarily fictional. It actually happened.The drama That Ben Hall comes from historians that consulted with Matthew Holmes on the script.
Because Great Aussie Films sometimes aren't seen by Australians. This film, I feel is a must see for any who loves Australians films, History of Australia and just good Australian Westerns. Sometime great Aussie flicks aren't seen at all. This one is a must to track down and get.
9 out 10, worth every dime.
My opinion of the film; that it's a great Aussie Film. The acting, costuming, props, and everything about it was amazing. The lengths that Matthew Holmes went to keep it historically accurate amazed me. Many films can say they are accurate but in most cases they are betrayed in a fictional and story driven way. However this isn't the case here. When I finished watching it, I had to have a moment to take in the visuals. Because they are amazing. I was very much liked them to a point where I went and watched the special features to find out how they made it. The film is something that audiences love out Hollywood Westerns. It capabilities that essences but it isn't necessarily fictional. It actually happened.The drama That Ben Hall comes from historians that consulted with Matthew Holmes on the script.
Because Great Aussie Films sometimes aren't seen by Australians. This film, I feel is a must see for any who loves Australians films, History of Australia and just good Australian Westerns. Sometime great Aussie flicks aren't seen at all. This one is a must to track down and get.
9 out 10, worth every dime.
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