Mark Lee and a young Mel Gibson star in this film as two young sprinters who run away to join the army and take part in the attack at The Nek.
I think this film is probably mostly going to be watched nowadays by those curious to see a pre-fame Mel Gibson. It’s a shame really because the film is really good in its own right and should be seen for that reason.
It shows the heroism of the young Australians as they seek to give themselves to their country and try to make a contribution to the War effort. The character work early on is really good and it pays off towards the end as we see how the war effects them and how their ideals have been changed. I liked the sets and how the film progressed from the Australian Outback to the frontlines of the war in Turkey.
This really was a tragedy and it shows the stupidity of the commanders in charge of the attack. The final ten or so minutes is filled with tension and tragedy as you can feel the inevitable happening, and the final frame is one that will linger long after you have switched the movie off. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that it’s one of the most powerful last shots of a film that I’ve ever seen.
Gallipoli is a really good war film and I strongly recommend that you check it out.
Tagged: gallipoli, mark lee, mel gibson, movie reviews, war films
