Gallipoli

War films today are dominated by enormous amounts of blood and very little action outside the battlefield. The Australian movie Gallipoli takes the viewer down a different road. The film is traditional in displaying nationalism, bravery, and heartache found on the front but still manages to show the viewer a frail human side of war. Through what would have to be called ignorance and naivety the audience is shown young men on the cusp of adulthood as they join in World War I. Although no pride is lost by the characters' most viewers will likely raise doubt regarding the necessity of war. Poetically and sadly the film shows a battle which is forgotten by most people. The makes the actions which took place even deeper upon the viewer's psyche. This film will stand up through time reminding us a part of our forgotten past. What is equally odd is that media mogul Rupert Murdoch bankrolled much of the film. This is surprising given his pushing of moral conservative values in America through his ownership of the Fox channel. Gallipoli is well worth watching for people who want more than seeing blood splattered on the lens in between enormous fireballs.

The acting is very good and draws you into the storyline. A youthful Mel Gibson plays one of the main characters and delivers a believable performance. Philip Glass did some of the music. His synthesizer hit "Oxygen" can be heard several times. It is odd to hear it in such an early period of the 20th century. I do recommend a viewing of it and think most people will be entertained.