'Australia' becomes homeland's second biggest hit

Baz Luhrmann's World War II epic 'Australia' has become the country's second highest grossing film of all time - despite the picture receiving a string of negative reviews.

The director spent four years and $130m (€102m) on the homage to his homeland - which stars Aussie actors Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman.

But the high profile stars and huge budget failed to impress film experts, who gave the movie a lukewarm reception upon its release last November.

However, the negative press failed to discourage consumers heading to theatres across Australia - putting it just behind 'Crocodile Dundee' as the country's second biggest earning movie, taking in $36m Australian dollars (€18m).

Twentieth Century Fox representative Marc Wooldridge says: "The on-going box office success of Australia has been outstanding, and a unique testament to the way the film has been embraced by this country."

'Australia' has grossed almost $200m (€157m) worldwide to date.