The complexities
of the true story which Breaker Morant
is based upon layers the narrative with moral ambiguities and discrepancies,
making this a difficult film to categorize. It plays out like a typical
courtroom drama, though the audience must sit in as members of the jury in a
case which is not clear cut or simple; one could easily find justice in the
argument from each side, as well as fault. This was a case that was much larger
than the men or lives involved, having impact on the outcome of a peace treaty
to end the war these crimes occurred during, as well as effecting relations
between the countries involved long after the case had been closed.
Taking place at
the turn of the twentieth century during the final days of the Boer War in
South Africa, Breaker Morant follows
the court case of three Australian soldiers fighting in a guerilla force on the
British side when accused of war crimes for killer Boer prisoners of war and a
German missionary (Bruno Knez). Leading these soldiers was Harry “Breaker”
Morant (Edward Woodward), an English-born poet whose nickname came from his
ability to break horses. Also accused was Lieutenant Peter Handcock (Bryan
Brown), who joined the army to provide for his family living during an economically
unstable period in Australia ,
and Lieutenant George Witton (Lewis Fitz-Gerald), whose misguided patriotism
led him to join the British Empire ’s war.
Breaker Morant quickly becomes a case
about moral judgment, especially since there are no real discrepancies over the
fact that Boer prisoners were executed by these men. The question of their
guilt has little to do with whether of not they committed the murders, but
whether or not they were justified due to orders they were given by their superior
commanders. Claiming that they were working under unwritten orders by Lord
Kitchener (Alan Cassell), Morant and his men believe that their actions were
sanctioned and necessary to their military responsibilities.
As if this case
were not complex enough, an opening sequence which shows an attack on the Boers
which results in the death of Morant’s friend and fellow soldier, Captain Hunt
(Terence Donovan). We never see the death of Hunt, but when his body is
discovered brutally mutilated, Morant takes the order to kill all Boer
prisoners on as a personal mission of revenge. Even with Morant’s vengeful
attitude remaining during the trial, their defense attorney, Major Thomas (Jack
Thompson), is able to make a convincing argument that the responsibility of these
deaths ultimately landed on the British Empire .
This was clearly a message that remained controversial upon Breaker Morant’s theatrical release in
1980.
Despite winning ten awards at the
Australian Institute Awards, it was given no BAFTA nominations and was ignored
by most British film publications. The impact of Bruce Beresford’s film
extended beyond the countries involved in the narrative, however, with American
audiences finding parallels in the narrative with many Vietnam Hollywood
The Blu-ray release of Breaker Morant has a newly restored 4K
digital transfer of the film, supervised by Beresford. The filmmaker’s 2004
commentary track is included in the extras, along with an interview with actor
Edward Woodward, and a 1973 documentary about the real Harry Morant. New
special features include a new featurette about the Boer War, which includes
commentary from historian Stephen Miller, as well as new interviews with
Beresford, actor Bryan Brown, and cinematographer Donald McAlpine. The package
also has a foldout insert booklet with an essay by film scholar Neil Sinyard.
Entertainment Value:
6/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 8.5/10
Historical
Significance: 8/10
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