Ned Kelly is called the Robin Hood of Australian history and pop culture. Recognized by many Australians as the only "heroic" colonial figure, Ned is a symbol of resistance to authority. He has symbolic importance for national identity through his larrikinism, his charm and his attention to his family and friends. Despite this, many still consider him a scandalous outlaw. However, a winner in this media tug of war emerges after the release of the 2003 film "Ned Kelly" directed by Gregor Jordan and the poem "Freedom", written by Oodgeroo Noonuccal, as they both depict Ned as a virtuous but hapless social bandit who embodied the Australian identity. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why violent video games should not be banned"? Get an original essay In the 2003 film, "Ned Kelly", the Australian bushranger is portrayed as an ordinary man who was caught in a series of events over which he simply had no control. This is shown when Ned chases Kennedy to Stringybark Creek. Judging by the length of this chase, Ned had every chance of killing or at least targeting Kennedy, but he doesn't. Kennedy shoots so Ned fires back. This suggests that Ned was only trying to save himself. Additionally, Ned approaches the policeman with frustration and anxiety that he is now a murderer, so he desperately tries to save him. The camera, accompanied by dark lighting, stays on Ned's stressed face. The only sounds present in the background are the sound of birds calling, Ned's repeated apologies, and Kennedy's screams, which attract the audience's attention. With a face of sympathy, Ned puts an end to the police officer's misery and pain. All that remains is the sound of the birds leaving. Birds are a repeated symbol of Ned's actions throughout the film. After saving Richard Shelton, his bravery is represented by a soaring eagle. However, the flying birds are a sign from Ned, forever tainting his reputation as a "hero". This scene forces the audience to question what really happened during the shooting at Stringybark Creek. “Didn’t Ned shoot Kennedy because he was trying to avoid capture?” "I didn't know Ned tried to save him." Was the Stringybark Creek incident just an accident? The audience continues to question the truth of his crimes when the Kelly Gang robs the Jerilderie Bank later in the film. Ned orders Steve Hart to return a watch he stole from a citizen. When Hart does so, the man calls them common criminals, which angers Ned. The camera shows him frustratingly combing his head, sighing heavily. This implies that Ned, although a vigilante, was neither ruthless nor cold-blooded. Jordan uses staging, particularly costume design, to emphasize this. Instead of the riding boots, khaki pants, and belts that a typical outlaw would wear, the Kelly gang is dressed similarly to the people around them. He doesn't look like a typical dirty outlaw. This tidy costume also reflects his behavior towards his hostages since he does not beat or threaten them. When he explains his actions, he justifies them by stating that he is trying to save his illegally imprisoned family and friends. Let me ask you this: if your family was thrown into prison for no reason, would you just let them rot? I didn't think so. This challenges the public's view of not only Ned, but also the Victorian police. Ned explains that the reason for his mother's imprisonment was "lies.