Ned Kelly
Though recognized for heroism as a lad, Ned Kelly can not escape the stigma of being the eldest of a brood sired by a known criminal. In days when an arrest equaled guilt and a conviction, his unfair imprisonment for horse thievery puts him steadfast, in the eyes of Victorian police, on the wrong side of things for life. With a sister unable to dissuade the unwanted advances of Constable Fitzpatrick, Ned, his brother Dan, and friends Joe Byrne and Steve Hart soon find themselves labeled "an outlaw gang" by the less-than-honorable constable. It's a designation they're apt to live up to after Ned's mother is unfairly arrested and sentenced to three years hard labor. In retaliation, the Kelly Gang strikes out against the oppressive Victorian government, with ultimately tragic results and passage into Australian folklore.
The film earned $6.6M at the global box office.
3 wins & 14 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Ned Kelly (2003) showcases meticulously timed dramatic framework, characteristic of Gregor Jordan's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 12-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 50 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.6, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Ned Kelly as a boy saves a drowning child, establishing his heroic nature and the poverty of Irish settlers in colonial Australia. His family struggles under British oppression.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 14 minutes when Constable Fitzpatrick attempts to assault Ned's sister Kate and is shot in the struggle. Though the Kellys acted in self-defense, Fitzpatrick falsely accuses them of attempted murder, making Ned and his family fugitives.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 28 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This illustrates the protagonist's commitment to Ned makes the active choice to become an outlaw. He and his gang (Joe Byrne, Steve Hart, Dan Kelly) flee into the bush, crossing the point of no return. They are now declared outlaws with a price on their heads., moving from reaction to action.
The Collapse moment at 83 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The police trap the gang at Glenrowan Inn. In the siege, Joe Byrne is killed (literal death). Ned realizes his dream of Irish liberation is lost and that his actions have brought death to his friends and suffering to innocents caught in the crossfire., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 88 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Ned's final stand in armor against the police. He's shot multiple times but keeps advancing - a moment of legend. He's captured, tried, and sentenced to hang. In court, Ned delivers his final speech about justice and defiance, cementing his status as symbol rather than man., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Ned Kelly's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 12 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Ned Kelly against these established plot points, we can identify how Gregor Jordan utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Ned Kelly within the action genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Ned Kelly as a boy saves a drowning child, establishing his heroic nature and the poverty of Irish settlers in colonial Australia. His family struggles under British oppression.
Theme
A character speaks about the injustice of the system: "The poor stay poor and the rich get richer." This establishes the film's exploration of class struggle and the cost of fighting an unjust system.
Worldbuilding
Adult Ned works honestly trying to support his family. We see the harsh conditions for Irish settlers, constant police harassment, Ned's relationship with his family and community, and the corrupt constabulary led by Fitzpatrick who targets the Kellys.
Disruption
Constable Fitzpatrick attempts to assault Ned's sister Kate and is shot in the struggle. Though the Kellys acted in self-defense, Fitzpatrick falsely accuses them of attempted murder, making Ned and his family fugitives.
Resistance
Ned debates what to do: turn himself in to a corrupt system or flee. His mother is arrested. Joe Byrne and other friends encourage him to resist. Ned struggles with becoming an outlaw versus accepting injustice.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Ned makes the active choice to become an outlaw. He and his gang (Joe Byrne, Steve Hart, Dan Kelly) flee into the bush, crossing the point of no return. They are now declared outlaws with a price on their heads.
Premise
The "promise of the premise" - Ned Kelly as legendary bushranger. The gang robs banks, redistributes wealth to poor settlers, evades police, and becomes folk heroes. Ned articulates his vision of justice and writes his famous Jerilderie Letter.
Opposition
The police close in with greater numbers and resources. Tensions within the gang emerge. Ned's relationship with Julia becomes strained by his outlaw life. Betrayals occur as rewards increase. The romantic adventure darkens as violence escalates and options narrow.
Collapse
The police trap the gang at Glenrowan Inn. In the siege, Joe Byrne is killed (literal death). Ned realizes his dream of Irish liberation is lost and that his actions have brought death to his friends and suffering to innocents caught in the crossfire.
Crisis
Ned, wounded and watching his gang die, faces his darkest moment. Steve and Dan are killed in the burning inn. Ned contemplates the cost of his rebellion - his friends dead, his mother imprisoned, his own life forfeit. Was the fight worth it?
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Ned's final stand in armor against the police. He's shot multiple times but keeps advancing - a moment of legend. He's captured, tried, and sentenced to hang. In court, Ned delivers his final speech about justice and defiance, cementing his status as symbol rather than man.
Transformation
Ned Kelly is hanged, speaking his famous last words "Such is life." The closing image mirrors the opening - a poor Irish boy with courage - but now transformed into a martyr and legend. He dies, but his defiance lives on in Australian mythology.