Breaker Morant
Seen it?1980 | 107 min | Drama, History, War
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it made about 20 times its budget. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for history buffs. If you loved The Zone of Interest or Henry V, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Harrowing.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 47 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG: peril. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
During the Boer War, three Australian lieutenants are on trial for shooting Boer prisoners. Though they acted under orders, they are being used as scapegoats by the General Staff, who hopes to distance themselves from the irregular practices of the war. The trial does not progress as smoothly as expected by the General Staff, as the defence puts up a strong fight in the courtroom.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 72 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.1 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
Won 1 Cannes award: Cannes Film Festival: Best Supporting Actor. Also nominated for 1 Oscar, 1 Golden Globe and 1 more Cannes award. Plus 13 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$20 million worldwide on a $1 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 87K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Bruce Beresford
- Edward WoodwardHarry 'Breaker' Morant
- Jack ThompsonMajor J.F. Thomas
- John WatersCpt. Alfred Taylor
- Bryan BrownLt. Peter Handcock
- Charles TingwellLt. Col. Denny
- Terence DonovanCpt. Simon Hunt
- Vincent BallCol. Ian (Johnny) Hamilton
- Ray MeagherSar. Maj. Drummond
- Chris HaywoodCpl. Sharp
- Russell KiefelChristiaan Botha