Oprah Winfrey, the TV chat show host, gushed and Variety, the entertainment industry bible, gave it a ringing endorsement. But the film Australia faces an epic challenge if it is to deliver for the country’s tourism, film and business communities.

Even before next week’s international release, the sweeping romantic saga featuring Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman and newcomer Brandon Walters has already smashed one record. At a cost of $130m (€104m, £87m), it is Australia’s most expensive film.