So, I guess this is more of a list than review, but here goes:
While "Australia" itself is not a bad movie (indeed, Baz Luhrmann has done much, much worse), it references a ton of movies that the casual viewer may not pick up on, but that hardcore fans of Australian cinema will notice, and movies that should not go unseen. So, here's a rundown of movies related to "Australia" and general Australian films that should be watched. I couldn't care less if you choose to see Baz Luhrmann's latest release, or skip it. But if you've got any interest in the land down under at all, do yourself a favor and check these movies out.
The Man from Snowy River
Rabbit-Proof Fence
Ten Canoes
The Proposition
Picnic at Hanging Rock
The Last Wave
The Year of Living Dangerously (related more to Australian cinema than to the country itself. But give it a watch!)
My Brilliant Career
Strictly Ballroom (Luhrmann's first film and, in my opinion, his best)
That's my list! All of them are fantastic movies. For my money, the best director to come out of Australia is Peter Weir. His movies have been pretty diverse, ranging from his early indie cult classics to blockbusters like his last movie, "Master and Commander." But he's really capable, and it's hard to go wrong with him at the helm.