Who's Involved:
Release Date:
violence and brief nudity
Plot: What's the story about?
In the latter part of the 19th century, Australia is still largely untamed. The former penal colony's first-generation Irish immigrant population lives in poverty. Having already experienced police brutality and the death of his father, bushranger Ned (Heath Ledger) is wrongfully imprisoned on the trumped-up charge of stealing a horse. Emerging a few years later, in 1874, Ned is hardened but vows to stay straight. Rejoining his widowed mother and younger siblings, he makes money for his family as a champion bare-knuckle boxer. He also toils as a farmhand on the estate of an English landowner – with whose beautiful wife Julia (Naomi Watts) Ned shares a mutual attraction. But the British colonial system and its Victorian English enforcers remain prejudiced against Australia's working people, and the struggling Kelly family is no exception. When, in 1878, a bullying police officer is rebuffed by Ned's younger sister Kate and targets the family for harassment, Ned and his mother are unjustly charged with attempted murder. Ned is determined to avenge his family's name and strike back against his people's oppressors. While hiding in the bush, he forms a loyal Gang that includes his best friend and first lieutenant Joe Byrne (Orlando Bloom). A chance encounter with the police culminates in shots ringing out, and three officers are killed. The Kelly Gang is forced to go on the run. They blaze a trail through the Outback, robbing banks to fund themselves as well as to recover immigrants' land deeds, and giving police the runaround. The Kelly Gang's reputation as invincible outlaws grows, as does nationwide support from their immigrant countrymen. To the masses, Ned is a hero. To lawmen and the establishment, he is the most wanted man in Australia. £8,000 is offered for his capture – at the time, the highest reward the world had known. When the authorities bring in the formidable Superintendent Francis Hare (Geoffrey Rush), and an army of police, with carte blanche to capture and/or kill the outlaws, Ned strategizes a risky showdown at the Glenrowan Inn. It is this event which will seal his fate – and his legend.
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Who stars in Ned Kelly: Cast List
The Dark Knight, The Order
Adore, The Glass Castle
Bring Him to Me, Saving Mr. Banks
Finding Nemo 3D, Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole
In The Land of Saints and Sinners, Night Swim
December Boys
Sucker Punch, Darkness Falls
The Boys in the Boat, The Great Gatsby
Clean Up Crew, Intermission
Americano, The Boys and Girl From County Clare
Who's making Ned Kelly: Crew List
A look at the Ned Kelly behind-the-scenes crew and production team. The film's director Gregor Jordan last directed Dirt Music and The Informers. The film's writer John Michael McDonagh last wrote The Forgiven and War on Everyone.
Director
Screenwriters
Producers
Eric FellnerLynda House
Companies
Watch Ned Kelly Trailers & Videos
No trailer available.
Production: What we know about Ned Kelly?
Filming Timeline
- 2004 - December: The film was set to Completed status.
Ned Kelly Release Date: When was the film released?
Ned Kelly was a release in 2004 on Friday, March 26, 2004. There were 6 other movies released on the same date, including Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed, Jersey Girl and Never Die Alone.
Ned Kelly DVD & Blu-ray Release Date: When was the film released?
Ned Kelly was released on DVD & Blu-ray on Tuesday, July 27, 2004 .