Ned Kelly is a 2003 Australian historical drama film directed by Gregor Jordan from a screenplay by John Michael McDonagh. The film portrays the life of Ned Kelly—a legendary bushranger in northeast Victoria. Ned Kelly, his brother Dan, and two other men—Steve Hart and Joe Byrne—formed a gang of Irish Australians in response to Irish and English tensions that arose in 19th century Australia. The film is mainly based on Robert Drewe's book Our Sunshine. Heath Ledger plays the title role as Edward "Ned" Kelly.