Drama,History,War
Australia
Breaker Morant is a 1980 Australian war drama film directed by Bruce Beresford and based on the real-life events of the Boer War in South Africa. The film follows three Australian lieutenants - Harry "Breaker" Morant, Peter Handcock, and George Witton - who are charged with war crimes for executing Boer prisoners and a German missionary during the war.
The three men are defended by Major Thomas, a British officer who is sympathetic to their cause. As the trial progresses, the defense argues that the executions were carried out under orders from British commanders, who wanted to take a harsh stance against Boer guerrilla tactics. However, the prosecution argues that the men acted on their own volition and should be held accountable for their actions.
Tensions rise as the trial takes an unexpected turn, and political pressure mounts on the British command to ensure a conviction. The film explores issues of military honor, loyalty, and justice during a time of war.
Breaker Morant features stunning cinematography and powerful performances from the cast, including Edward Woodward as Breaker Morant, Bryan Brown as Peter Handcock, and Jack Thompson as Major Thomas. The film was critically acclaimed and won multiple awards, including the Cannes Film Festival's Jury Prize in 1980. It has become a classic of Australian cinema and is regarded as one of the best war films ever made.
