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Gallipoli Customer Reviews (34 - 36 of 50 Reviews)

Pity Most Americans don't Understand the History of Galipoli
Being Australian and having learned the significance (futility) of the battles fought along the Gallipoli coast I realise more than most. What this movie explores is the relationship between australia and Britain (the Empire) and how Australians and New Zealanders were slaughtered to create a "diversion" for the English landings. It gives you a small understanding of how WW1 was fought and how remote the so caller "Leaders" were from reality. The concept of "MATES" is touched on through the friendship of the two main characters. This concept of self sacrifice for ones friend (mate) is something that sets Australians apart. Peter Weir (Australian) has captured this aspect well. Do not look for a war movie or an adventure. This movie is part of Australia's sole searching at the misdeeds and abuses inflicted upon us by our so called Empirial masters. As Americans have veterans day, Australians have ANZAC day (two days actually). This experience is more than a simple war for Australians, it is a coming of age.

Moving and powerful.
This is a movie that packs a powerful emotional punch. It follows the introduction of two young Australian "mates" ("pals" to us Americans) from their ordinary lives back in Australia to their introduction to the Army and ultimately to the reality and waste of battle. The time is World War 1, the place: the Gallipoli invasion, which was a disastrous British attempt to invade Turkey. Australian youths are being recruited for service in Europe as part of the British Army. As the lads say: "England needs a hand so here we are."

Mark Lee and Mel Gibson play the two youths. Both do a fine job. About my only criticism of the movie is that it drags a bit in the beginning, while the lads are still in Australia, but otherwise the story line moves along reasonably well. The conclusion is deeply moving--the film's ending packed an emotional wallop that is hard to describe. I am no anti-war activist, but I've never seen a movie that showed the futility and waste of war and its squandering of promising young lives in a more effective way.

One of the wonderful things about this movie is that it lacks the pretentiousness and dishonesty of films like "Platoon" which are out to send a blunt political message. This movie does not do that. It has a wonderful authenticity and even innocence. It is beautifully done. Anyone who ever served will recognize that the inevitable miscommunications and mistakes that the film ultimately centers on are always with us to some degree in the military. The film does send a message, but it does so in a way that respects the viewer.

This one is highly recommended. It's great fun to see Mel Gibson in his early youth.

Powerful, Heart wrenching
Incredible effort by director Peter Weir and a very young Mel Gibson. A powerful statement on the futility of war and the terrilbe toll it takes on youth and innocence. Stunning cinematography and great acting, highlight this tale of the ill-fated Austrialian attack against the Turks during WWI. Two friends enlist hoping for adventure and glory, but learn first hand the horrors and helpless of war. If you liked Saving Private Ryan, you will love this film. A epic movie that that is hard to forget, with a gut wrenching finale. See it!

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