Australian Cinema Episodes

11
Aug. 20, 2026

Gangs/Revolutions & True History of the Kelly Gang

In this episode of Bad Dads Film Review, the dads review True History of the Kelly Gang (2019), Justin Kurzel’s bleak and visually striking adaptation of Peter Carey’s novel about Ned Kelly. They discuss the film’s deliberately unstable relationship with truth, young Ned’s brutal upbringing, Ellen Kelly’s influence, the Sons of Sieve cross-dressing mythology, Russell Crowe as Harry Power, Nicholas Hoult’s disturbing Constable Fitzpatrick, George MacKay’s performance as adult Ned, the gang’s homemade armour, the failed train ambush and the bloody final siege. Dan gives the film a mid recommend because of its punishing bleakness, while Reegs, Chris and Sidey give strong recommends for the performances, visuals and thematic weight.