Watch Breaker Morant

The movie "Breaker Morant" is a gripping, emotional drama that tells the story of three Australian soldiers who are court-martialed for war crimes during the Second Boer War. Set in South Africa in 1901, the film is based on real events and characters, and highlights the complexities and moral dilemmas of modern warfare. The main character, Lieutenant Harry 'Breaker' Morant (Edward Woodward), is a charismatic and outspoken soldier who becomes the leader of the group. He is joined by two other officers, Peter Handcock (Bryan Brown) and George Witton (Lewis Fitz-Gerald), and together they form a close bond as they fight against the Boers.

However, as the war drags on, the Australian soldiers become increasingly embittered and disillusioned with their commanders and the overall strategy of the war. They begin to engage in questionable tactics, including executing prisoners of war and civilians. When news of their actions reaches higher-ups, they are quickly arrested and put on trial.

The trial is conducted by an unsympathetic military court, and the men are railroaded into conviction. Despite being loyal soldiers fighting for their country, they are condemned as murderers and sentenced to death. The film focuses on the heartbreaking story of the men as they struggle to come to terms with their fate and fight against the injustice of their situation.

The performances in the film are stunning, particularly that of Woodward, who portrays Morant as a complex and enigmatic character who refuses to back down in the face of adversity. He brings a depth and nuance to the role that elevates the film beyond a simple moral tale.

The supporting cast is equally strong, with Jack Thompson portraying the lead prosecutor with a sense of ruthless determination that is both chilling and captivating. John Waters also stands out as the compassionate and well-meaning Reverend who tries to help the men during their trial.

The film is expertly directed by Bruce Beresford, who captures the haunting beauty of the South African landscape while also highlighting the claustrophobic and oppressive atmosphere of the military court. The script, which was written by Kenneth G. Ross, is based on the play "Breaker Morant: A Play in Two Acts" and does an excellent job of recreating the atmosphere of the time and conveying the emotional turmoil of the soldiers.

Overall, "Breaker Morant" is a powerful and thought-provoking film that challenges viewers to confront the difficult realities of war and justice. It is a must-see for anyone interested in Australian history, military ethics, or complex character dramas.

Breaker Morant is a 1980 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 72.