Watch The Rats of Tobruk

The Rats of Tobruk is a war movie that was released in 1944 during the second world war. The movie was directed by Charles Chauvel and stars Grant Taylor, Peter Finch, and Chips Rafferty. It is based on the actual events that occurred during the siege of Tobruk in Libya by German and Italian troops. The movie portrays the heroic efforts of the Australian 9th Division infantrymen, who withstood a siege from enemy troops for 8 months. They are surrounded by German and Italian troops, who are trying to capture the port of Tobruk, an important logistical hub in North Africa during the second world war.

The Rats of Tobruk tells the story of three soldiers; British journalist Keith, Aussie solider Bluey and the humorous and carefree, Barlow, a well-known and well-liked member of the 9th division’s ‘D’ Company. Barlow often entertained soldiers in Tobruk with his sharp wit and skill with a harmonica.

The Australian soldiers were known as the "rats" because of the numerous continuous nights and days they spent underground and in trenches. They were surrounded by enemy troops and faced heavy aerial and artillery bombardment, which made their lives incredibly difficult to say the least.

The Rats of Tobruk captures the severe conditions, which forced soldiers to eat rations of bread and bully beef, with muddy water the only available source of drinking water. The only way soldiers could stay alive was to find a way to work together and overcome numerous obstacles of hunger, thirst and injuries.

The movie shows unrelenting tension and danger, as the Australian and British troops resist the formidable Germans and Italians troops, who have surrounded them considerably outnumbering the Australian troops. They hoped to starve out the defenders but with the help of Australian and British Navy ships, the Allies were able to keep the troops in Tobruk supplied.

The Rats of Tobruk is a heartwarming and emotional tribute to the Aussie legend, to the men who lived in unimaginable conditions just to hold their ground and protect the home soil. They mostly lay in open trenches as bombs and shrapnel rained upon them. Occasionally, they would get a break in the monotony by participating in some light-hearted activity, but their reality would always call them back to their daily battle of survival.

The movie is a heart wrenching portrayal of the men from different places uniting to fight together for one objective – to survive the siege of Tobruk. Even when they’re constantly faced with the possibility of defeat, the troops stand tall and indomitable, not wanting to let their families and country down. The Rats of Tobruk was a critical and commercial success, which was applauded by audiences around the world, particularly in Australia, where it was seen as a tribute to the heroic efforts of their soldiers who fought in Tobruk.

In conclusion, The Rats of Tobruk is a remarkable movie that showcases the braveness and resilience of the Australian troops. It acts as a reminder of the struggles of war and the sacrifices made by soldiers who put their lives on the line to serve their countries. The movie immortalizes the efforts of the soldiers and their unbreakable spirit. Today it is a testament to the courage and endurance of the Australian soldiers, who faced unimaginable conditions to defend their land.

The Rats of Tobruk is a 1944 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 9 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.