Breaker Morant Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Aussies get framed for war crimes because the British wanted to avoid upsetting Germany at the start of WWI, which hadn’t even happened yet, but felt like it probably would at some point.

🍿 Breaker Morant: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Boer War and the Bushveldt Carbineers

Set during the Second Boer War in South Africa, the film follows three Australian lieutenants – Harry ‘Breaker’ Morant, Peter Handcock, and George Witton – serving with the Bushveldt Carbineers. This unit is tasked with combating Boer commandos, often employing unconventional tactics. The war is brutal, with both sides engaging in practices that blur the lines of conventional warfare.

Arrest and Court Martial

The three lieutenants are arrested and charged with the murder of Boer prisoners and a German missionary. The killings occurred after the death of their commanding officer, Captain Hunt, and were justified by the accused as following standing orders to take no prisoners. The trial becomes a political hot potato, with the British command keen to distance itself from the actions of the Carbineers to appease international powers.

The Trial and Its Injustices

The court martial is portrayed as a sham, with the deck stacked against the defendants. Their defense lawyer, Major Thomas, is inexperienced in military law and faces an uphill battle against a prejudiced court. Flashbacks reveal the harsh realities of the war and the circumstances that led to the killings. The men argue they were following orders in a brutal conflict.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Harry ‘Breaker’ Morant (Edward Woodward): A charismatic Australian lieutenant and poet who is court-martialed for war crimes during the Boer War.
• Major J.F. Thomas (Jack Thompson): An inexperienced but determined lawyer assigned to defend Morant and his fellow officers, uncovering a political conspiracy.
• Lt. Peter Handcock (Bryan Brown): A brash and controversial lieutenant, accused of murdering a missionary, adding to the complexity of the trial.
• Cpt. Alfred Taylor (John Waters): The prosecuting captain who seeks to prove the guilt of the lieutenants in order to satisfy political needs.
• Lt. George Witton (Lewis Fitz-Gerald): A young, somewhat naive lieutenant also on trial, whose testimony helps reveal the difficult circumstances of the war.
• Lord Kitchener (Alan Cassell): The senior British military figure who orchestrates the court-martial as a means of political expediency.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Harry Morant: “Shoot straight, you bastards. Don’t make a mess of it!” – Morant’s defiant last words before facing the firing squad, showing his resolve and sardonic wit.
• Major Thomas: “We are trying them by the laws of England, for acts committed in a war that’s not like any war that England’s ever fought. This isn’t a war between gentlemen with a set of rules. This is a war for survival.” – Highlights the hypocrisy of applying traditional laws to a brutal, unconventional conflict.
• Major Thomas: “The tragedy of war is that these horrors are committed by normal men in abnormal situations.” – Said during his closing argument, encapsulating the film’s central theme about the moral compromises of war.
• Harry Morant: “It’s a new war, George. A new war for a new century.” – Morant explains to Witton how this war differs from previous ones, as it lacks clearly defined rules of engagement.

💰Box Office

• Budget: A$800,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $948

💥 Breaker Morant Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn into this movie! The courtroom scenes were intense, and the flashbacks really helped me understand the characters’ motivations. It made me think a lot about the complexities of war and how easily people can be used as scapegoats. The ending was a punch to the gut, but it made the movie even more memorable. I’d highly recommend it if you are looking for a movie that stays with you long after the credits roll.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of courtroom dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in historical war films”
  • “Those who appreciate thought-provoking stories about morality and justice”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “War violence”
  • “Depiction of executions”
  • “Some coarse language”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “A powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of war and the moral compromises soldiers face. Excellent performances and direction make this a must-see for fans of historical dramas.
• The Guardian: “A compelling courtroom drama set against the backdrop of the Boer War. The film raises important questions about justice, accountability, and the cost of empire. The acting is superb, and the film’s themes resonate even today.
• Empire Magazine: “A gripping and well-crafted film that explores the moral ambiguities of war. The performances are excellent, and the film’s courtroom scenes are particularly compelling. A thought-provoking and unforgettable cinematic experience.

Audience Reactions

The movie is an excellent portrayal of the complexities of war and the moral compromises soldiers face.: Most viewers praise the film’s thought-provoking themes, strong performances, and gripping courtroom drama.

The film’s ending left a lasting impact on viewers, sparking discussions about justice and accountability.: Audiences often comment on the movie’s powerful and emotional ending that resonates long after viewing.

Overall Consensus: A powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of war and the moral compromises soldiers face. Excellent performances and direction make this a must-see for fans of historical dramas.

Awards

1. Australian Film Institute Awards (Best Film)- 1980
2. Australian Film Institute Awards (Best Director)- 1980
3. Australian Film Institute Awards (Best Actor in a Lead Role)- 1980
4. Australian Film Institute Awards (Best Actor in a Supporting Role)- 1980
5. Australian Film Institute Awards (Best Screenplay Adapted from Another Medium)- 1980

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on a real court-martial during the Boer War, but it takes some liberties with the historical facts.”
• “Director Bruce Beresford had to work with a relatively small budget, which required creative solutions for battle scenes and set design.”
• “The movie was adapted from a play by Kenneth Ross, and the courtroom setting reflects its theatrical origins.”

🖥️ How to Watch Breaker Morant?

As a classic film, ‘Breaker Morant’ is available for purchase on various digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check local streaming services for availability, as it may be included in subscription packages.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Breaker Morant, you might like these similar films:

• Paths of Glory (1957): A stark anti-war film focusing on a court-martial and the injustice of military command during World War I.
• A Few Good Men (1992): Another courtroom drama exploring the themes of duty, obedience, and moral responsibility in the military.
• Gallipoli (1981): An Australian war film that also examines the themes of disillusionment and the cost of war and the loss of innocence in battle.
• Zero Dark Thirty (2012): A modern war drama that tackles the moral complexities and controversial tactics employed in the pursuit of justice after a tragedy.

🛒 Breaker Morant Related Products

• Breaker Morant (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A pristine, high-definition Blu-ray edition from the Criterion Collection, featuring bonus content like interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and essays providing valuable context.
• “The Breaker” by Kit Denton: The book that details the case of Breaker Morant, often cited as more accurate than the film.
• Gallipoli [Blu-ray]: Another film focused on Australians fighting in the British Empire, in World War I. Directed by Peter Weir.

🎧 Soundtrack

Breaker Morant features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “At Last” – performed by Edward Woodward
• “Traditional Tune” – performed by Jack Grimsley (Arranger)

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Australian Military Slouch Hats

Ever wondered about those distinctive hats worn in ‘Breaker Morant’? This video dives into the history of the Australian Military Slouch Hat. It’s fascinating to see how much history is woven into such a seemingly simple piece of uniform!

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