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Devastating look at war

It's unfortunate in the extreme that the First World War has largely fallen by the wayside. If we hear anything about the conflict at all, it's usually on the History Channel or another network airing a documentary full of grainy, black and white clips of men stumbling over the top of trenches. Interest in historical events tends to drop off significantly when those involved pass away, and in the case of the generation that fought this horrific war not only have they exited the stage, they have left the building as well. I developed a life long interest in "the war to end all wars" after seeing Peter Weir's 1981 film "Gallipoli" in a small, run down art house theater at the age of ten. I didn't understand the historical context at the time, but this dramatic interpretation of events that unfolded in the Dardanelles during 1915 left a lasting impression on my impressionable mind. I recently rewatched the film and can say that it still works as an intense drama and as a serious antiwar statement. Weir's overt hostility toward the British commanders at Gallipoli, however, doesn't stand up as well. By the way, this is one of the films that propelled Mel Gibson to international stardom.

Weir decided to focus his film not on the massive armies battling away in Europe, but on two individuals living in Australia. Archy Hamilton (Mark Lee) and Frank Dunne (Mel Gibson) are two of the fastest runners in the country. Hamilton trains with his demanding grandfather, who promises the young lad that if he works hard he may yet go down as the next national sports hero. Frank, on the other hand, wanders around the country with a few buddies taking any job he can get and generally just having a lot of fun. News of the escalating war in Europe is vague and distant, referenced only when someone brings up a news story they saw in the paper. Archy wants to go and fight, attracted by the lure of glory that has suckered millions of young people since the dawn of time into disaster. Frank doesn't think of war as glory, and when his pals bring up the idea of enlisting he quietly makes his position known. Both of these young men's lives are forever changed after the end up competing against each other in a foot race at a regional fair. Archy barely wins, but a friendship develops between the two that soon finds Frank tagging along when Archy decides to enlist in the illustrious cavalry. Frank agrees to join with Archy, once he discovers that the ladies love a soldier, but goes into the infantry after failing to qualify for the light horse unit.

It really doesn't matter anyway since horses won't make a bit of difference when the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) soldiers head first to Egypt and then the Dardanelles for combat against the Ottoman Turks. What the war effort needs are bodies capable of running headlong into a withering wall of machine gun fire, and cavalry troops minus their steeds will work in this capacity just as well as infantrymen. Before they reach the killing fields, Archy and Frank reunite during a training exercise in Egypt. Hamilton convinces his commander to enlist Dunne in the cavalry, claiming that his skills as a runner rival his own and that both men will make a major contribution to the regiment. Weir shows us plenty of carefully crafted scenes of the men having a good time in Cairo, of the deepening camaraderie taking place even as the war looms larger and larger in the background. The movie takes a doom and gloom turn as the ANZAC forces land at Gallipoli to take part in the fighting. Casualties mount as attacks designed to expand the beachhead fail under Turkish machine guns. Soon, Archy and Frank know they will have to go over the top too, and realize they will certainly perish in the process. The conclusion to "Gallipoli" is one of the most emotionally grinding, soul shattering denouements in motion picture history.

The only thing I found extremely irritating about "Gallipoli" is the cheesy synth musical score, which now sounds so early 1980s that it dates the picture terribly. I think the message about how people join up to go to war for all the wrong reasons, however, is still highly relevant. And if there was any war that everyone should have avoided, it was World War I. Generals and leaders still subscribed to antiquated notions of warfare, never taking into account machine guns, poison gas, and airplanes would decimate the troops. The fatalities were truly appalling, with millions perishing in muddy trenches during the four year conflict. Weir expertly depicts the squalid conditions of the trenches, but he goes too far blaming the film's fatal charge on the British commanders. First of all, far more British soldiers died during the campaign in the Dardanelles than did members of ANZAC. Second, why place the onus for the war on the British? Plenty of commanders on all sides made mistake after mistake in this conflagration, mistakes that resulted in so many fatalities that it's a wonder humanity didn't rise up and cast their leaders into the fire.

"Gallipoli" wins the day in the end thanks to the charm of Mark Lee and Mel Gibson. Weir's cinematography sinks its claws in as well. Check out the shots of the Australian outback, the Red Cross party, and the landing at Gallipoli to learn why. The transfer looks good, but the only extra on the disc is a short interview with Weir about the making of the film. I wanted a commentary track for this film desperately, and still hope a special edition will arrive on the market in the near future. If you haven't seen "Gallipoli," check it out soon.

from a place you've never heard of comes a story you'll never forget

Before Peter Weir was a household name in cinema, he directed this masterpiece about the fate of an Australian platoon fighting for the British empire in World War I. Aside from just being a historical film, it shows how England really looked down on the Australians and used them as cannon fodder.If "Gallipoli" has any allusion to the common Aussie theme of communication issues, it's that a communication delay causes what happens in the very last scene. The scene was apparently based on a photo from the Spanish Civil War, and it is sure to shock you. Among other things, this shows that Mel Gibson played much better roles early in his career, before he went all Hollywood. I recommend this movie to everyone.

Gallipoli-False History.

The Australian movie Gallipoli has a false and slanderous ending.No British officer ever ordered Australian troops to commit a suicidal dash against the Turks.This is false history.The movie's statement that quote-"the British troops are relaxing on the beach"unquote while Australian troops were dying is particularly slanderous when you consider that Britain lost more than twice as many troops at Gallipoli as Australia and New Zealand combined.Gallipoli continued the chip-on-the-shoulder mentality of Australian filmakers against Britain.I am Australian born to Australian parents so my opinion is impartial.

Gallipoli comment

I have seen Gallipoli about three times and thought it was very good. One thing though is that it is a very hard movie to find at the video store. You would think with all the fluff out there that they would have a good movie like this more available. It has a very dramatic and powerful ending. It is not your typical Hollywood ending where everything is so neatly wrapped up. It is definitely a movie that sticks in your mind for quite a while. You question the reason why countries with all the death and misery of war still feel the need to fight. All the sacrifices that soldiers make and all the lives that are lost is pointed out in a powerful way.

Mel Gibson was the only good part of this movie

I really didn't like this movie. I wanted to learn more about the war but this was soooo dry and boring... Archy bugged the crap outta me too... Mel Gibson was the only good part in this movie. The ending was horrible too. Absolutely awful...

Um, what to say...

First off. The use of Jean Michel Jarre is not only anachronistic... it's really really um.. anachronistic! The acting isn't that bad. Mel's performance is certainly believable as is Mark Lee's (Archie) but I find the script to be lacking in places particularly in closure. Characters are developed well enough but their conclusion is swift paced and with no surprises. Pity because the history of Gallipoli makes for an epic showing. Some development of the Turkish defense perhaps might have solidified it somewhat, perhaps a bit more on the preparation/training and the fiasco of supporting barrage. Mel seems to pop into the picture out of nowhere, We are quickly introduced to his "lower class" upbringing contrasting Mark's conservative values but therein lies an interesting story in want of a bit more. A true survivor as was Mel's character, Frank, is akin to the transition-combination into survivor status of the key characters in Empire of the Sun. The viewer then appreciates how luck/chance was naturally capitalized. And really, post modern score in a classical setting... no sir. On gets so distracted by it that it's hard to follow the movie.

Two runners become friends during World War One.

This is a great, early Peter Weir classic. Two runners become friends in Australia early this century. Archy loves family, god and country, and yearns to serve his country in the Great War. Frank covers his painful youth with love of self, yet finds himself following Archy to war. A great tale of honor and sacrifice set in the context of one of Australia's great and tragic campaigns of the first World War. A must-see for any serious movie aficionado.

The perfect film

Having just viewed 'Gallipoli' for around the 5th time, it stands up in the 21st century as a master stroke in story-telling. It has everything I require in a film - characters about whom I care, emotional depth and believability, structure, cinematography, a magnificent musical score, and of course, the genius direction of Peter Weir. Remarkably, the only scenes shot outside South Australia were those set in Cairo.Whilst a modern day viewer may marvel at how beautiful was Mel Gibson at 25, my attention was constantly with Mark Lee, who played the main character, 100 yards runner Archie Hamilton, who just wants to be included in the 'fun' of the war overseas. Watching this movie, it's hard to see why Mark Lee's career didn't reach the heights of Gibson's, as he's better-looking, more charismatic on screen, and equally as good an actor as Mel (although, to be honest, I'm not a fan of Gibson's work, and consider 'Gallipoli' to be one of his best performances.) The story is about two young West Australian men who sign up to go to war to fight in Turkey in 1915. It's a tale of mateship, optimism, larrikanism, and loyalty. Flowing beneath the story of the two men is a powerful anti-war subtext, which is never quite in-your-face until the final (quite unforgettable) image of Mark Lee's character going 'over the top'. This is one of Peter weir's skills - to deliver a theme without too much fanfare or hoo-ha.Mention must be made of the musical score choices - Samuel Barber's 'Adagio for Strings', 'In The Depths Of The Temple' by Bizet, and Jean Michel Jarre's 'Oxygene'. Criticism has been levelled at Weir for using an electronic composition from the 1970's to create atmosphere in a story from 1915. For me, this music speaks to a modern audience, and is like the whole movie - perfect!

Haunting

The film itself depicts the days leading up to 1st modern amphibious assault and the battle itself. Focusing mainly on the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps), with Mel Gibson as one of the soldiers, we are given a glimpse into the lives of the ANZAC soldiers during WWI with particular attention to their "training" in Egypt and their final days at Gallipoli. As the film ends you are overcome with shock, mild depression, and bewilderment. Shock and depression for the senseless lose of life at Gallipoli...and bewilderment for the choice of cheesy synthesizer music for the climatic final moments of the film. The music had, up till then, appropriately followed the aura of the film. You are enthralled and enchanted by the story...only to fall out of your seats laughing at the early eighties' music interjecting into the film's final minutes. All and all a great film (if you can stomach the final music).

Brilliantly cast! Long overdue on DVD

Gallipoli is one of Australia's shining moments in film-making. Starring a very young Mel Gibson and Mark Lee, the film explores true mateship and the ridiculous requirements of war.

Gallipoli was filmed in 1981, and an interesting soundtrack from Jean Michael Jarre was included which really gives it an atmosphere that has made it hard to forget.

DVD Comment:
Why do classics like Gallipoli take so long to make it to DVD? Released this year on DVD in Region 1, but we are still waiting for its DVD release in Australia. Something odd with Aussie films. We are always the last to get our movies on DVD (still waiting for Picnic at Hanging Rock, yet it has been available on DVD in Region 1 for some time).

Powerful story!

GALLIPOLI recreated the imfamous World War I battle between the ANZACS and the German-Allied Turks. It was interesting to see how Australia was involved in the war effort. The film follows the events that surround two attractive young soldiers. The film accurately portrays the horrors of this battle, when hundreds of Australian soldiers are ordered to go "over the top", only to be massacred by the Turks. Be sure to have a Kleenex ready for the ending of this incredible movie.

Sad but true story

Terrific film that so succinctly sums up the passion and the innocence of the Aussie soldiers as they gave their lives up for a cause not their own, believing to the end that duty demanded that they make a good showing of themselves. This story is based in historical fact and is still discussed today as one of the most terrible follies foisted upon young men by totally incompetent military leaders. There are even worse stories that are told about the wars outcome in France and Belgium but this film captures enough of the tragedy to drive home the point of how mad all wars are.The very young and handsome and Aussie sounding Mel Gibson is very convincing as are the entire cast. Peter Weir crafted a heart wrenching film which ends with a moment that you just can not shake from your mind. Great film and very moving.

monument to incompetence

I have no idea how historically accurate this film is, but if it's close to right, then thanks go to Peter Weir for telling the story of these brave young men. Their nation wanted to do the right thing, but wasn't prepared. In their idealistic and over-zealous response to a perceived threat, they wasted many lives. Every military officer should have to watch this. In OCS I learned that "soldiers die tired and confused." May we not die due to incompetence, but only by the inherent risks of waging war. Since war will always be the final means of preserving freedom, it is our duty to stay prepared and proficient.

Importance of Gallipoli

Gallipoi has been criticised as not only an anti war movie, but also an anti English movie as well. For Australians, the era of WW1 represents a time in it's young history when it made it's debut on the world fighting stage. Only too late did it discover that they (The Anzacs AKA: Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) were actually cannon fodder for the British and 2nd class, A class cannon fodder at that.It was also during this time of Gallipoi's releases that Breaker Morrant (1980) was also spearheading and making ground in the entire defacto anti British/anti War genre of film. It was these two films which helped put the Republic debate into the minds of the Australian public whom only a few years before were still singing 'God Save the Queen' as it's national anthem.Peter Weir captured and tapped into a lasting image for Australians to cling to with Gallipoi. Since Australia has such a brief history, Gallipoi brings together the fighting spirit and the original larrikin Australian attitude which could now be considered a bygone clique of character.Gallipoli's use of a moog like score gives the entire film an ageless precedence and quality which could still be as fresh for any period drama in the future.Gallipoli should be released on DVD immediately.

A very impressive film

I just watched this film tonight for the very first time and I have to say it was extremely well done. Just thinking of the countless young men in WWI, dying for causes that they truly do not understand, really should sadden anyone. I have to admit I don't know much about Australia's involvement in the war however this film certainly made me better appreciate it still. I can certainly what this war meant to Australia in terms of defining a nation. For Canada...Vimmy Ridge was such a battle. At times I'm bothered at whole little a role many of the Commonwealth nations are attributed during both WWI and WW2.

Terrible Movie

There is NO story, hardly at all. I kept waiting for it to 'go' somewhere.

No plot really. The ending is awful. They all die, of course which is expected for a war movie, but then it just like ends and you are sitting there going, 'that's the end?'?
You still expect it to have a story you know? there isn't one. It is also historically inaccurate on many counts.

Well it has Mel Gibson in it, what do you expect? 1. he's handsome 2. the movie is gory, and 3. the ending will suck after a mostly plotless story line.

Full of cursing, smoking, carousing, nudity and trash, and then they all die in 10 mins, and the film ends, with literally no ending.

A haunting requiem to youth.

In one of his earlier performances, Mel Gibson delivers an excellent performance with Mark Lee, as two young Australians who join the ill-fated ANZAC expedition to Turkey in 1915. We follow their lives, first at home, then en route through Egypt and finally to the despair of the trenches at the Dardanelles. The Gallipoli campaign, overseen by the young Winston Churchill, has come to be recognised as one of the great disasters in military planning and execution. Here, Peter Weir has given us what I believe is arguably the most moving anti-war film, bar none.

Breathtaking

In my humble opinion, this is the best Australian film ever made. The emotional journey is so powerful and memorable, the film leaves you breathless.

Forced to watch Gallipoli. I now love it for life.

I am only 16 years old and had to watch Gallipoli for an English assignment. It is now one of my favourite movies as it really touched me and made me feel for the characters, Archy and Frank. This movie is a must see, esp for people my age as it shows some of the horrors of the first world war and is very interesting.
Mark Lee was great as the country bumkin Archy. I often wonder why Lee didn't do as well as Mel Gibson after Gallipoli's success.
It isn't really a war movie, but a movie about how people cope with war. Gallipoli manages to scare and chill the viewers about war, yet there is very little blood and guts.
Gallipoli on DVD is a must have, and it's so cheep too.

Rare, and stunning.

The first film of Peter Weir's I saw was the highly over-rated `The Truman Show.' After this, I had a serious doubt in his abilities as a director.
However, a few months later, my sister brought home `The Mosquito Coast' to watch, because it had looked interesting, and my perception changed drastically.A little later, I saw Gallipoli, and it is my mind perhaps the best anti-war film ever-made. The last image is so striking, with the Adagio in the background, if it does not bring a tear to your eyes right then and there, it will at least take your breath away. This movie is not like The Thin Red Line; it is not beautiful film filled with deep philosophical moments (that is definitely my second favorite war movie), but rather the point is blunt, and comes as a devastating shock in the end. I recommend it most highly.Final: 4/4