Friday Night Movies: Gallipoli

Welcome to this week's edition of "Friday Night Movies," where we delve into films that not only entertain but also enrich our understanding of history. This Friday, we feature the 1981 Australian war drama "Gallipoli," directed by Peter Weir. This poignant film is set against the backdrop of one of the most heart-wrenching battles of World War I.

The Gallipoli campaign of 1915 was an attempt by the Allied forces to secure a sea route to Russia and knock the Ottoman Empire out of the war. The fierce battles fought on the Gallipoli peninsula led to heavy casualties and became a defining moment in the national consciousness of Australia and New Zealand.

The legacy of those who fought is commemorated annually on ANZAC Day — April 25th — the day the campaign began when troops first landed at Gallipoli. This day of remembrance honours the bravery and sacrifice of the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) soldiers and serves as a time of reflection on the cost of war.

Given the historical significance and the emotional resonance of the Gallipoli campaign, "Gallipoli" the film serves as a fitting feature for our Friday Night Movie. It not only provides a dramatic recounting of battle but also captures the enduring spirit and camaraderie of the young soldiers. Join us as we revisit this powerful war drama that not only recounts a pivotal event in history but also explores themes of friendship, tragedy, and the innocence lost in the fires of battle.

Lest we forget.

Plot

"Gallipoli" begins in the peaceful pre-war landscapes of Western Australia, where Archy Hamilton, a gifted sprinter, and Frank Dunne, a cynical drifter, meet. Bound by their ambition to join the ANZAC troops, they enlist and find themselves on the beaches of Turkey. As they navigate the harsh realities of war, their friendship deepens. The film masterfully builds its narrative, contrasting the innocence and mateship of its young soldiers with the stark brutality of warfare, culminating in a gripping and tragic finale that highlights the futility and devastation of the Gallipoli battle.

Cast

In "Gallipoli," we witness the early sparks of Mel Gibson's burgeoning career, a glimpse of the charisma and intensity that would soon make him a Hollywood icon as he play Frank Dunne. Gibson's portrayal brings Frank to life with a mixture of toughness and sensitivity, capturing the nuances of a young man caught in the cataclysm of war.

Alongside Gibson, Mark Lee as Archy Hamilton provides a contrasting yet complementary portrayal. Archy's youthful optimism and idealism, juxtaposed with Frank's more jaded outlook, create a dynamic relationship that is central to the film's exploration of friendship and the human spirit.

Reviews

Upon its release, "Gallipoli" received critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of the iconic battle on the shores of Gallipoli. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film enjoys a high rating with an Audience Score of 83%. On IMDb with over 42,000 reviews, the iconic war movie has scored 7.4/10. The film's approach to the ANZAC legend and its critique of the senseless strategies employed in the war has made it a critical study of both the futility of war and the personal cost it exacts on individuals.

Trailer

How To Watch Gallipoli

Gallipoli is available to stream on Foxtel Now and Tubi TV.

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War films could easily be defined by the number of explosions that occur throughout their runtime and of course, how well those scenes of destruction are conducted, but while looking back at some of cinema’s most influential stories, we found that the most common aspect that makes them so powerful is the often the interesting themes that are explored. 

So between unlikely talents, forced friendships and man’s utter descent into primitive madness, let’s take a look at what made the cut in our list of the best war films of all time.

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