The Legend of Ben Hall (2017)
Genre: Western / Historical / Drama
Directed by: Matthew Holmes
The Legend of Ben Hall is a brooding, atmospheric Australian Western that recounts the final months of one of Australia’s most infamous bushrangers. Written and directed by Matthew Holmes, the film offers a historically grounded and visually immersive portrayal of Ben Hall—a man torn between his outlaw life and the lingering hope of redemption.
Set in the 1860s, the story follows Ben Hall (Jack Martin), who has been living in obscurity after years as a feared outlaw. When his former comrades, John Gilbert (Jamie Coffa) and John Dunn (William Lee), rejoin him, Hall is drawn back into bushranging. Together, the trio embarks on a string of robberies that make them the most wanted men in the country. As the authorities close in, Hall is forced to confront not only the brutal consequences of his choices but also his own legacy and the moral cost of survival.
What sets this film apart from typical Westerns is its commitment to historical accuracy. Holmes and his team consulted period records, eyewitness accounts, and historical experts to ensure an authentic depiction of events. This lends the film a documentary-like texture while still delivering dramatic tension and character-driven storytelling.
Jack Martin’s portrayal of Ben Hall is quietly powerful, capturing both the charisma and exhaustion of a man who has spent too long on the run. There’s a deep melancholy to his performance—a haunted quality that suggests Hall knows the end is near. Jamie Coffa and William Lee provide strong support as Hall’s reckless and dangerous companions, each adding a layer of complexity to the dynamic between the outlaws.
Visually, the film is stunning. Shot against the sweeping, often desolate landscapes of rural Australia, the cinematography emphasizes isolation, desperation, and the harsh beauty of the bush. The film’s pacing is deliberately slow at times, echoing the somber tone of its subject matter, and while it forgoes the bombast of typical Hollywood Westerns, it rewards viewers with a more reflective and grounded experience.
The Legend of Ben Hall is not just a tale of guns and gallows—it’s a portrait of a man caught between myth and reality, law and lawlessness, loyalty and betrayal. It’s a somber, poetic take on the Western genre that lingers long after the final shot.
