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The story of Breaker Morant has been compared to being to Australians what Braveheart is to Scots. It is a contentious issue and has been since its occurence in 1902. Two soldiers of the irregulars , The Bushveldt Carbineers were executed after court marshal for the murder of Boer Prisoners. Were they acting under orders as they claimed, was the practise of executing prisoners without trial a direct order from the high command? That Lt . Harry ' Breaker ' Morant and Lt. Peter Handcock were no saints is an established fact. Did they deserve to face a firing squad at dawn on that fateful morning ? As one who has an interest in the law I call it an outrageous travesty of justice. These two men were offered up as the sacrificial lamb to display to the world and to the Boers in particular how impartial British justice was and with the hope of bringing the war to an early close. Others who obeyed the same orders escaped the price these two had to pay. Both men were Australian citizens ( Morant was also English) and the Australian Government anxious for their country not to be seen anymore as a British Colony washed their hands of the affair leaving the men to their fate. It is a very complex story where emotion can sometimes outweigh the consideration of facts . Nonetheless it is a very worthwhile watch, I cannot say enjoyable because I find personally the treatment they received repugnant. Others charged at the same time incl George Witton ( Lt., Bushveldt Carbineers) were treated by comparison, leniently. A sad story and a classic example of justice being on this occasion what others had decided it was going to be, even before the court martial. For those interested there is much literature out there incl a book by Lt Witton himself . My last words, the transcript for the actual Court Marshal has never been located or so it is claimed even today in 2022. I say ' claimed' because I sincerely believe these documents will never be released for public scrutiny. Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
the DVD arrived in good time and in good working order. A very interesting film.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The film is based on a true story portrayed with gripping dramatic performances by Edward Woodward and Bryan Brown. An essential addition to any library of great films.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Demonstrates the relationship between the political and the military and how the letter is subservience to the former - the potential consequences of this for soldiers has not changed much since ‘The Breakers’ day.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Very good film based on true story. Strong performances by Edward Woodward and Bryan Brown . Scapegoats of the Empire Historical story from Boer War period .
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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