Crocodile Dundee

Crocodile Dundee is an adventurous comedic cinematic treat that emerged from Down Under in 1986 featuring charismatic actor Paul Hogan as the main eccentric character. In the movie, Hogan's suave natural charisma, dry humor and trademark outback attire with the crocodile tooth hat, the bush knife, and the heavy Australian accent truly enrich the character's depth and greatly amplify the film's entertainment value. The movie is a unique fusion of comedy, action, and romance, resulting in a delightful viewing experience, that simultaneously explores the acute contrast between urban sophistication and raw outback survival.

The storyline takes off with a young and dynamic American news reporter Sue Charlton, beautifully played by Linda Kozlowski. Enthralled by tales of an Australian bushman who has survived a crocodile attack, Sue travels to the remote Australian wilderness to meet and write an article about this intriguing character, Michael J. 'Crocodile' Dundee. Paul Hogan's Dundee is a fearless, tough, and mythical bushman with a heart full of Aussie spirit and dauntless charm.

Dundee's audacious and unruffled handling of dangerous snakes, intimidating crocodiles, and other wild animals leave Sue Charlton, a city-bred woman, awestruck and she soon finds herself enamored by Dundee's distinctive charm and persona. His peculiar but effective survival skills, his harmonious approach towards nature and wildlife, and his nonchalant view of the city life's supposed luxuries is humorously captivating.

Crikey! How can one forget one of the most iconic scenes of the film involving an attempted mugging using a pocketknife in New York that ends with the legendary quote 'That's not a knife...this is a knife', an amazing blend of realness and humor that encapsulates what Crocodile Dundee is about. This scene also beautifully reflects how Dundee's outback wisdom winds up saving the day in the urban jungle.

The plot takes an interesting twist when Sue insists on bringing Dundee back with her to New York City. Dundee, the unsophisticated Aussie bushman, steps foot for the first time in a modern cosmopolitan setting. His fish out of water experiences in New York becomes one of the central themes of the movie, where his raw, complex, yet innately genuine nature confronts the sophisticated urban lifestyle. The diverse reactions to this wild man in their midst create some genuinely laugh-out-loud moments.

Though the movie is filled with comedic moments throughout, it never undermines the distinctive Australian characterization and the potential culture clashes. Dundee's character perfectly encapsulates the quintessential Australian spirit with the movie giving the audience a glimpse of life in the wild outback, a part of Australia very distant from the sandy beaches and the Sydney Opera House.

Supporting actor John Meillon is ideal as Walter Reilly, Dundee’s guide in the wilderness and close associate who is always ready to share a drink and narrate tales of Dundee’s legendary feats. Meillon’s enduring character adds yet another dimension to the film, grounding it firmly in the realms of the charmingly humorous.

The on-screen chemistry between Dundee and Sue Charlton matures steadily throughout the film, but beautifully evades predictability. Linda Kozlowski's role is a strong, independent, and professionally successful woman who masterfully stacks up against the decidedly masculine Hogan, creating a very charming and flippant love story in the backdrop, indeed a certain US charm meeting the Australian outback nonchalance.

Crocodile Dundee is, without doubt, a rousing adventure through wild Australia and the urban jungle of New York, seasoned with humor and garnished with an adorable romantic angle. Directed by Peter Faiman, the film is a cultural icon of the 1980s that introduced the world to the Australian outback persona in a delightful mix of comedy and romance. The comedy is clean, the characters are lovable, and there is an enduring charm to the unending antics of our lovable crocodile wrangler. To date, it remains an unforgettable classic that continues to win hearts across the globe.