Watch Death or Liberty: The Fight for Australian Independence

Death or Liberty: The Fight for Australian Independence is a powerful documentary that explores the tumultuous and often violent struggle for freedom and democracy in Australia. The film traces the history of Australian political dissent from the early colonial period to the present day, highlighting the key figures and movements that have shaped the nation's political and social landscape.

Narrated by British musician and activist Billy Bragg, the film features interviews with a diverse range of scholars, historians, and political leaders, as well as musicians like Mick Thomas and Lisa O'Neill.

The narrative is divided into six chapters, each focusing on a different era in Australian history. Beginning with the early prison colony of New South Wales, the filmmakers delve into the rise of the labor movement, the fight for women's suffrage, and the push for Indigenous rights.

Throughout the film, we hear the stories of individuals who risked everything to challenge the status quo, from the Irish rebels who led the Eureka Stockade uprising to the Aboriginal activists who fought for land rights and self-determination.

Along the way, the film reveals the brutal tactics that were used to suppress dissent, including police brutality, censorship, and imprisonment without trial. We see how these tactics instilled fear and intimidation among activists, but also galvanized their determination to overcome the odds and achieve their goals.

One of the most powerful moments in the film comes in a chapter dedicated to the anti-war movement of the 1960s and 70s. Through archival footage and interviews with key players, we see how ordinary Australians came together to protest against Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War. Despite violent clashes with police, and the growing threat of government surveillance and harassment, the movement continued to grow in strength and numbers.

The film ends with a chapter focused on the contemporary struggle for Indigenous rights, and the ongoing calls for constitutional recognition and reconciliation. Though the challenges are great, the film maintains a sense of hope, emphasizing the resilience and determination of those who have fought so hard for justice and equality.

Overall, Death or Liberty: The Fight for Australian Independence is a stirring and thought-provoking documentary, one that sheds light on a little-known chapter of Australian history. Through its compelling storytelling and powerful images, the film reminds us of the importance of speaking truth to power, and the enduring value of fighting for what is right.

Death or Liberty: The Fight for Australian Independence is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.3.