Luhrmann Defends Australia's Big Budget

The Moulin Rouge! filmmaker has promised to dazzle audiences with his World War II romance - starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman - set in his beloved homeland when it hits cinemas worldwide next month (Dec08).

And Luhrmann believes he was right to spend $130 million (GBP87.6 million) on the four-year project in a time when people are struggling to make ends meet - as he is adamant film fans will come away feeling uplifted.

He says, "In a world where there's a lot of fear, I hope you can come out of the cinema after a few hours and feel like its been an enriching experience.

"If you get a little bit of that and you have been entertained, then that is enough for me."