The world will mark the centenary of the Gallipoli Campaign on April 25. The effort by the Allies to take the Gallipoli Peninsula and force the Ottoman Empire out of the Great War in 1915 turned into one of the many horrible trench warfare stalemates that are the iconic image of the First World War.
That anniversary will be marked by many solemn commemorations, especially for the ANZACs — the Australia-New Zealand Army Corps. Though French and British troops fought and suffered at Gallipoli, the battle has come to be a kind of national epic for those two nations, just coming into flower when the Great War broke out.
It will also be marked by the U.S. release of an Australian film that tells the tale of the aftermath of that horrible struggle — Russell Crowe’s “The Water Diviner.”
“The Water Diviner” is about a father’s search for his sons in the aftermath of World War I’s Battle of Gallipoli. The period piece arrives more than 30 years after the film “Gallipoli,” Peter Weir’s critically acclaimed look at the same seminal event, a battle that left more than 10,000 Australians and New Zealanders dead.
Crowe called his film an “unintentional companion piece” to the Weir classic, which ended with one of the protagonists being shot as he went “over the top” during brutal trench warfare. “The Water Diviner” tracks a father, played by Crowe, as he searches for three sons lost in the same battle.
“The Water Diviner” has already won three Academy Awards and been tops at the box office, but those victories came Down Under. The Australian-made period picture debuted in Hollywood Thursday night, with high hopes from cast and crew that their winning streak will continue on American soil.
Here’s one Yank that’ll be in the theater for it.
Oscar Case says
Thanks, I was wondering what the movie was about. I’ve heard of Gallipoli over the years, but never knew exactly why. I’ll be seeing this one.
Wayne Williams says
According to his biographer, William Manchester, Churchill’s plan for seizing Istanbul was a good one. Fear of naval mines prevented British naval officers from moving into the Dardanelles and aggressively shelling Turkish coastal positions, which allowed the Turks time to marshal their defenses while costing the British the element of surprise. The resulting debacle almost ended Churchill’s political career. We are all fortunate that he persisted and was able to work his way to the post of prime minister in time to lead Britain during World War II.
The trailer looks great, and I’m looking forward to the film.
JimC says
You are right, Wayne. The original effort to force the Dardanelles as a strictly naval operation would have succeeded if the fleet had not turned back in the face of losses to naval mines. The Turks were actually out of those mines and were preparing to flee Istanbul, leaving it to the Allies. The fleet commanders couldn’t know that pushing on would bring victory and they feared disaster, so they gave it up. One of those hinge-of-fate contingencies.
Lane Batot says
….But one hasta wonder at the incredible, insane, complete disdain of human life that occurred sending wave after wave after wave of soldiers to just get mowed down–THOUSANDS! I mean, hey, after the first unsuccessful wave, let’s try to come up with some different tactics, huh? Only stupid white-eyes leaders would do such an atrocious thing to their own people–you’d NEVER see the old time Apaches waste lives like that! Their chiefs/leaders would not expect it, nor be able to force it!(Ahem! Rereading “Watch For Me On The Mountain” just now!) And enough to make someone(with any damn survival sense at all) go promptly AWOL, given the slightest chance! I’m all for patriotism, but there comes a point where blind patriotism becomes STUPIDITY! But yeah, I MOST ASSUREDLEY plan to go to the sit-down thee-ate-her and see this on the BIG SCREEN! Several movies comin’ out I want to experience like this–The new “Road Warror” movie(I saw the original at the theatre back in 1980! Or was that 81?) I HAVE to see, and another MUST(for me) will be “Jurassic World”–and got my eyes peeled for the movie based on the “Moby Dick” Essex adventure/survival tale, “Heart Of The Sea”, due out in December, I believe…..
JimC says
I’m with ya on all of those — hadn’t heard about Heart of the Sea.
The First World War was insane in every way. The “why” of it AND the “how” of it. Truly, a suicidal death ride of Western Civilization.
Lane Batot says
Oh heck yeah–saw the trailer for “Heart Of The Sea” awhile back at the theatre–supposed to premier in March, but delayed for whatever reason to December now, I think. One of the most harrowing survival tales of recorded history! Check out trailers on YouTube!
JimC says
Will do.
JimC says
Saw it with my daughter this afternoon. Fine movie. Visually beautiful, artfully directed by Crowe. It’s a touch mystical and offers horrors — and hope. A lot of heart.