Gallipoli - Anniversary Edition (2 Disc Set)
Fox, (PG)
******
Australia’s greatest ever war film is as much about mateship as it is man’s inhumanity to man on the field of combat. Buoyed by nationalist fervour, two rival sprinters veer from their Olympic destinies to sign on for WWI and the crucible of the national soul that became Gallipoli.
Elegantly shot by Russell Boyd, masterfully scored by Brian May and magnificently acted by Mel Gibson and Mark Lee from a David Williamson script, this is a masterclass in moving, powerful cinema. Although the central section in Egypt sags with its focus on crass buddy antics, the likeability of best mates Frank (a startlingly young Gibson) and Archie (Lee) easily overshadows these few weaknesses. Director Peter Weir masterfully juxtaposes the simple friendships of the ANZACS with the appalling realities of war to tug on the patriotic heart strings of the audience. Lest we forget.
DVD Extras The Anniversary Edition is packed with additional material about the film, and the battle itself. The two disc set features new interviews with Weir and Gibson, as well as filmographies on the cast and crew and an impressive photo gallery. A documentary on Gallipoli made by the Australian War Memorial plus material from News Limited on runners, diggers, food and experiences from the war are also included. The Gallipoli DVD also doubles as a DVD ROM/CD ROM for use by teachers as a classroom resource.