Watch Field Punishment No. 1

Field Punishment No.1 is a compelling historical drama based on true events that took place during World War I. Set in New Zealand in 1917, the film tells the story of three soldiers who are branded as cowards and mutineers by the New Zealand military establishment. The three soldiers in question are Archibald Baxter (played by Fraser Brown), Mark Briggs (played by Byron Coll), and Jack Braithwaite (played by Michael Whalley).

Their 'crime' is their refusal to fight in the war on moral grounds due to the pacifist beliefs they held. Consequently, they are sentenced to punishment in the form of Field Punishment No.1, which is a brutal form of military discipline that involves being tied to a post and left in the open for hours on end in all weather conditions. The punishment is so severe that some soldiers have died as a result of it.

The film is divided into three parts, each dealing with one soldier's experiences with Field Punishment No.1. In the first part, we see Archibald Baxter's ordeal as he is repeatedly subjected to the punishment. Baxter is a devout Christian pacifist who refuses to compromise his beliefs by fighting in a war he sees as senseless. The punishment takes a severe toll on him, both physically and mentally, as he is beaten, kicked, and abused by his captors.

In the second part of the film, we see Mark Briggs' story unfold. Briggs is a young man who is conflicted about his pacifist beliefs but ultimately decides to stand by them. He is subjected to Field Punishment No.1 multiple times, and while the punishment is overwhelming, Briggs finds solace in music and poetry.

In the third part of the film, we see Jack Braithwaite's story. Braithwaite is unlike Baxter and Briggs, in that he doesn't hold any strong pacifist beliefs but is rather a rebellious young man who refuses to obey orders blindly. He is also subjected to Field Punishment No.1 and, like the other soldiers, finds it extremely challenging to endure.

Throughout the film, we see the soldiers' individual struggles to withstand the punishment and their unwavering commitment to their principles. We also see the relationship between the soldiers and their captors, which is fraught with tension and brutality. We witness the soldiers being beaten and humiliated, but we also see them finding ways to resist and hold on to their dignity.

Field Punishment No.1 is a powerful and emotional film that tells a story that is often overlooked in war dramas. It provides insight into the lives of conscientious objectors who faced extreme mistreatment for staying true to their principles, and it shows the lengths to which authority figures will go to assert their power. The film does an excellent job of portraying the characters' struggles and humanizes them, making their suffering all the more palpable.

Overall, Field Punishment No.1 is a deeply moving and thought-provoking film that explores themes of ethics, morality, and personal conviction. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in history, war dramas, or stories of resilience and courage in the face of injustice.

Field Punishment No. 1 is a 2014 war movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.