This is an intriguing movie examining the shared involvement of Australia and New Zealand in World War I. At the time, both nations had recently become independent from the United Kingdom, lacked a strong sense of national identity, and despite the proximity of German colonies, many Australians were reluctant to fight alongside the British; it was perceived as England’s conflict, not theirs. A similar sentiment existed in Portugal, the United Kingdom's oldest ally, which only joined World War I in 1916 against English wishes. Portuguese politicians viewed the war as an opportunity to elevate the prestige of a young and discredited republican government and secure Portuguese sovereignty in Africa and India. Despite having no connection to each other, the experiences of Australians and Portuguese during World War I shared a common outcome: the Portuguese military brigade was decimated in France in 1918, representing the most significant defeat in centuries of Portuguese Army history; ANZAC suffered near-total losses at Gallipoli due to the resolute Turkish defense led by Mustafa Kemal, who possessed intimate knowledge of the terrain and anticipated Allied strategies. Beyond the historical background, the film doesn't center on military action or detail what occurred during the unsuccessful Battle of the Dardanelles. Instead, it follows the beautiful friendship between two promising young Australian athletes who enlist in ANZAC (one even had to lie about his age). I’m unsure of their expectations or if they truly grasped the possibility of not returning home. I suspect, as is often the case, they enlisted because everyone else did. The script doesn't fully explore this aspect, and perhaps a weakness lies in the absence of deeper emotional and psychological insight during crucial moments. A more thorough explanation of the historical context would also have been beneficial; those unfamiliar with history might struggle to understand the significance of that battle. Technically, the film is notable for its excellent cinematography, scenery, and costumes, as well as a generally successful recreation of the era. It’s not flawless, though. For instance, combat scenes lack visual and special effects that would enhance the intensity, making the battles less exciting on screen. There's also a noticeable absence of blood. While I don’t favor excessive gore or shocking visuals, it's worth considering: this is a battle, a war. There are casualties, injuries, mutilations, people screaming in agony while awaiting death and pleading for help. The film avoids portraying the harsh reality of combat, possibly to secure a lower parental rating, something I understand but don’t necessarily agree with. Despite featuring a large cast, the two protagonists, Mel Gibson and Mark Lee, truly dominate the narrative. It's worth observing the performances of both actors; Gibson hadn't yet attained the Hollywood stardom he later achieved, and his humility suited him well. He was still a young actor, but already possessed the talent that defines him, along with an approachable smile and charisma that made his character likable and deserving of sympathy. Lee has more significant dialogue in the script, but lacks the strength and presence of his colleague. He delivers a good performance, but is less noticeable and charismatic. This may have hindered his own career progression. Bill Kerr also makes a memorable appearance in a brief yet important role.

Source on TMDB