Breaker Morant

Rating:
Summary: a fictional MOVIE ([e-mail])
Review: I am writing in response to the rather stupid reviewer who gave this film 1, yes ONE, star because, as he put it, it is a "fictional account." Hopefully anyone who denounces a MOVIE for being made up is trying to make a joke. Obviously this is an excellent movie, far superior to most in its genre. I am English and am still able to objectively say that.

Rating:
Summary: Breaker Morant good, but
Review: Good, but didn't Stanley Kubrick tackle this same theme before and better in "Paths of Glory?"

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Summary: A universal quest for justice
Review: There are so many positive facets to this film it's difficult to know where to begin. The historical basis of this film, if modified for screen presentation, is incontestable. The Breaker was an Englishman who emigrated to Australia. He was a known, if not celebrated, poet as well as a horse breaker. Like Peter Handcock, Harry Morant went into the army as much for a square meal as for any patriotic motives. The Boer War was distant and dubious for any meaningful values.

Edward Woodward, sheathed in a corset for this film, is a dubious figure as a horse breaker, but displays a superb vehemence in his desire for vengeance for the mutilation of his friend. He recites The Breaker's poetry with sincere feeling and his final lines were delivered with the strength Morant displayed throughout his life. Morant's throwaway line to George Witton as the latter's being led off to prison that the trio were 'scapegoats of empire' became the title of Witton's account of the episode. Bryan Brown's portrayal of Handcock is almost certainly speculative, but he carries off the attitude of a loyal subordinate with style. The Bushveldt Carbiniers were a novel organization [the British introduced the concentration camp in South Africa as well as this irregular cavalry force], and Brown conveys the insecurity this force must have felt in operating in hostile territory.

It is Jack Thompson who deserves the highest accolades for a performance in this movie. How this country solicitor really performed in the courtroom is immaterial [although Witton's book gives Thomas' full praise for his efforts to clear the officers]. Thompson renders superbly the role of a man striving for justice against a clearly stacked deck.

This film may be about the Boer War, but that's wholly immaterial - it's a universal issue. Massive organizational power rendered against hapless individuals covers all levels of life, from military to corporate. Breaker Morant offers a multitude of lessons for anyone questing for justice. The Breaker's fate was a setback in that quest, but his story, superbly told to a world more willing to investigate such incidents for truth. Please view this film, have a think, then buy it and pass it to a friend. Then do the same with GALLIPOLI.

Rating:
Summary: best courtroom drama ever filmed
Review: This film, shot on a modest budget, touches a subject that very few contemporary films have the courage to handle - that the single most dangerous position that soldiers can place themselves in is to surrender. As the defence lawer summerizes in his closing arguements, the shooting of prisoners does happen, regardless of how it looks in the history books. This delicate subject is handled with maturity and intelligence leaving the viewer to decide if warefare is governable and soldiers responcible for actions while actually in the field. This film should be standard viewing for any director tackling "War" as a subject. It will stand the test of time while other jingoistic films will long be justly forgotton.

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Summary: Harry " Breaker" Morant- An authentic war story
Review: This stunning court-room drama is certainly the best in Austrailian film making. Set against the background of the Second Anglo-Boer War in 1901, Breaker Morant tells of a story about an Austrailian officer that un-knowingly executes six Boer prisoners while in patrol out on the Velt. A movie that analyses what following orders is all about, sometimes the pawns in war are sacrificed. This film is a classic, and a must have for a military war film buff. You must decide whether the acts of justice where truly just, in Breaker Morant.

Rating:
Summary: Potent and Moving Courtroom Drama!
Review: This beautifully filmed Australian film is a rare treat. While less than 2 hours long, the movie manages to present us with perfectly drawn characters and exciting flashback sequences that unfold the story in a very unique and entertaining way. Powerhouse performances by all the cast and the scenery is beautiful. The real-life story is captivating. The film is profoundly moving, beautifully photographed, expertly written and masterfully performed. One of the best (if not the best) Australian films of all time. From a scale of 1-10 I give this film a 9!

Rating:
Summary: Fictional Movie.
Review: It is unfortunate that Breaker Morant has been portrayed as history as it is a FICTIONAL movie which continued the chip on the shoulder attitude of Australian movie makers against Britain.Yes,Breaker Morant was a killer and yes he deserved his penalty.The movie is a fictional account of what happened.

Rating:
Summary: If only I could leave 20 stars...
Review: Every review so far has nailed this thing down as the brillaint film that it is.

I don't care to just repeat what has been said, so here's something I think some people overlook.

Whether intended or not (I can't decide) this movie is in fact one of the best Vietnam films ever made. I think I'll leave it at that.

I'm not trying to be too intellectual here, but I have to think that you'll either agree with me wholeheartedly or quickly dismiss that comment as having come from the mouth (keyboard) of a fool.

Guess what? I'm not a fool.

Rating:
Summary: Don't waste time reading about it: GET THIS MOVIE NOW!
Review: Breaker Morant is arguably the finest war movie ever made. (Saving Private Ryan would be right up there with it.) This movie has it all: brilliant acting, an incredible storyline, faultless directing, stunning cinematography. In a time when most moviemakers pander to the demands of the mass market, Breaker Morant sparkles like a jewel in the rough. This movie didn't win ten Australian Academy awards for nothing. (It was a crime that it received scant recognition at the U.S. Academy Awards.)

Don't waste any more time reading about it. Buy it, rent it, borrow it or steal it; but whatever you do, don't miss out on this unforgettable movie experience.

Rating:
Summary: a must see
Review: absolutely fantastic. I've seen breaker many times, it always tugs at my heart strings. you will love it!