The Man from Snowy River (1982)

80% of critics liked it
(10 reviews)
85% of users liked it
(25,583 ratings)

Inspired by an epic poem by A.B. "Banjo" Patterson, The Man From Snowy River was a major step forward for the regenerated Australian film industry of the early '80s. This "down-under Western" spotlights Tom Burlinson as Jim Craig, a headstrong young man who goes to work for a powerful cattle baron.… More Inspired by an epic poem by A.B. "Banjo" Patterson, The Man From Snowy River was a major step forward for the regenerated Australian film industry of the early '80s. This "down-under Western" spotlights Tom Burlinson as Jim Craig, a headstrong young man who goes to work for a powerful cattle baron. Burlinson falls in love with Jessica (Sigrid Thornton), his boss' daughter, and becomes enmeshed in a bitter land feud. Kirk Douglas has a high old time in the dual role of hard-hearted landowner Harrison and grizzled, one-legged old prospector Spur. Previously filmed in 1920, The Man From Snowy River was directed by the other George Miller, not the director of the same name who helmed Mad Max (1979). A monumental moneymaker, the film inspired a 1988 sequel, confusingly titled Return to Snowy River, Part II. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 42 min.
Directed By: George Miller
Genres: Western, Drama, Kids & Family, Romance, Art House & International

In Theaters: Nov 3, 1982 Wide
On DVD: May 28, 2002
Studio: 20th Century Fox Film Corporat

Critic Reviews

Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media
Family-friendly Western with moments of harsh conflict.
Andrew L. Urban, Urban Cinefile
The combination of its elements touches the Australian heart, elevating the ethos of a big, wonderful land and its hard headed, big hearted people on the screen
Audrey Rock-Richardson, Tooele Transcript-Bulletin (Utah)
...classic entertainment for families.

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Featured Audience Ratings

♥Robyn

This movie is set in the 1880's in the Australian frontier, the acting and story line are good with brillant scenery and musical score.
Dean M

Outstanding Aussie 'family' western with Tom Burlinson as the young man who falls in love with his boss's daughter. Kirk Douglas has great fun playing twin roles: a wealthy rancher and his one-legged prospector brother. The lavish scenery and broad scope, and the… More
Outstanding Aussie 'family' western with Tom Burlinson as the young man who falls in love with his boss's daughter. Kirk Douglas has great fun playing twin roles: a wealthy rancher and his one-legged prospector brother. The lavish scenery and broad scope, and the clever cinematography that captures these help to make it visually stunning. The riders hurtle down near-vertical mountain drops, getting maximum fuel efficiency from their horses, risking life and limb, and creating good tension at times. The characters are interesting, and are competently played by an excellent cast; Burlinson is terrific as the eager but inexperienced Jim Craig, Sigrid Thornton made a living through the 80s by playing pretty country thangs, while it's difficult to imagine anyone except Jack Thompson playing the important role of Clancy.
Dannielle A

Predictable at times. Didn't care for the ending. I hope the second movie ends better.
Deb S

This is a coming-of-age-story about a young rancher named Jim Craig who is left to find work at the Harrison Cattle Ranch after his father dies in a horsing incident. Whilst there, he falls in love with the boss's daughter Jessica. Kirk Douglas plays the dual role of two… More
This is a coming-of-age-story about a young rancher named Jim Craig who is left to find work at the Harrison Cattle Ranch after his father dies in a horsing incident. Whilst there, he falls in love with the boss's daughter Jessica. Kirk Douglas plays the dual role of two estranged brothers, one a hermit brother nurturing a dark family secret who lives up in the mountains among the wild horses, who has been searching for gold, the other a rich man who appears to have everything he needs. They share a "dark history" as they were both in love with the same woman. Filmed against a backdrop of a stunning and picturesque Australian wilderness, this movie is sure to appeal to horse lovers and fans of the Western genre.