By MONISHA ISWARAN

Australia’s film industry has been a silent but high achiever, as most recently highlighted by Mad Max: Fury Road taking out multiple awards at the 2016 Oscars.

The upcoming mid-semester break offers the perfect opportunity to catch up on some of our best-ever homegrown movies. Here is a list of five classic Aussie films to fill in your hard-earned free time.

Moulin Rouge! Starring: Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, John Leguizamo, Jim Broadbent. Year released: 2001 Synopsis: Musical love story about the romance between a cabaret star/courtesan and a Scottish writer, and the trials and tribulations they face.

This Australian-American film was a box office hit and snapped up several Academy Awards. It’s not hard to see why.

Not only is the performance of Australia’s sweetheart Nicole Kidman outstanding, the plot has moments that can move an audience to tears.

Baz Luhrmann, the creative mind behind movies such as Romeo + Juliet and The Great Gatsby, directed the film. It’s easy to see his influence and style in the extravagant sets and costumes, and the mysterious characters.

Although Moulin Rouge has been dubbed a love-it-or-hate-it experience, the odds are that most  will find something to their liking, thanks to the visual spectacle, captivating music and romantic drama.

Moulin Rouge provides the perfect entertainment option: a story willed with drugs, sex and scandal, perfectly suited to a night of popcorn, suspense and tears.

 Picnic at Hanging RockStarring: Rachel Roberts, Dominic Guard, Helen Morse, Jacki WeaverYear Released: 1975Synopsis: Mystery drama film in which a group of schoolgirls and their teacher go missing during a Valentine’s Day picnic at Hanging Rock.

Although the story may be fictitious, Picnic at Hanging Rock is so realistic and suspenseful that it will leave you with chills.

It is one of Australia’s artistic gems.

For those of you who love films that involve second-guessing, varying interpretations and rebellious coming-of-age stories, this Victorian-based tale is something special. 

The book was released in 1967, and the film a decade later, but the story still connects strongly with audiences today. Malthouse Theatre staged a production early this year to critical acclaim.

The ending of the film is highly debated, with some complaining that it concludes on an unresolved note, while other say it is artistic genius. 

Picnic at Hanging Rock is the perfect puzzle to keep your mind engaged this  break.

 Mad MaxStarring: Mel Gibson, Joanne Samuel, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Steve BisleyYear released: 1979Synopsis: Dystopian action film set in the future of Australia in which society’s order has collapsed – murder, violence and feuding ensues.

With part four of the series cleaning up awards left, right and centre at the 2016 Oscars, the original of this Aussie franchise is a must-watch if you haven't yet seen it yet.

It is the movie fix for anyone who loves an action film or dystopian futuristic science fiction. Even 37 years later, it continues to have a widespread fan-base.

If you are looking to add some excitement to your holidays without leaving the comfort of your own home, check it out. Prepare to become hooked, as you will undoubtedly find yourself sitting through the three sequels.

 BabeStarring:  James Cromwell, Magda Szubanski, Christine CavanaughYear released: 1995Synopsis: A comedy-drama about a small pig that wants to be a sheepdog.

Any movie that involves talking animals is bound to be a winner, and Babe is no different.

Not only is this movie highly entertaining and appropriate for all ages, it will make you believe that anyone can overcome whatever obstacle stands between them and what they want to achieve (something we can all stand to hear at this point in the semester).

The little pig faces many challenges and naysayers on his way to becoming a sheepdog; it makes for an inspiring story.

This movie is perfect for a night in with the family, because all ages have fallen in love with Babe’s story, from little children to grandparents. 

Strictly Ballroom Starring: Paul Mercurio, Tara Morice, Bill Hunter, Pat Thomson, Gia Carides Year released: 1992 Synopsis: A romantic comedy about a ballroom dancer, Scott, who falls in love with a beginner dancer, Fran, in the harsh world of competitive ballroom dance.

From Dirty Dancing to Footloose and Step Up, dancing movies have always been popular, especially when they involve a competitive spirit with some spicy romance on the side.

Strictly Ballroom features both the acting and dancing talents of Paul Mercurio and Gia Carides.

It is a movie that can be enjoyed over and over again, either for a family movie night or with friends. There is something in it for everyone, whether they like a love story, a comedy or the visual spectacle of fantastic ballroom dancing.

The movie presents a feel-good vibe perfect for the end of the holidays, when you may be dreading the return to real life and a mountain of work.