It’s definitely in my all-time Top Ten.
I understand the depth of feeling and the strange (strained?) relationship between Britain and Australia. In some ways the director was disguising his present-day sentiment by applying them to a situation 80 years in the past (at that time).
It’s trendy among know-it-all lefties to slag off the British Empire and praise those who threw off the yoke of so-called oppression but it’s also interesting (and revealing) to see so many nations staying in the Commonwealth and reaffirming their links to the monarchy. Often overlooked - intentionally - are the elements of Western civilization that were retained in the Commonwealth and I’m not just talking about cricket.
Beyond the specific patriotic differences, the film has a more universal theme i.e. that ‘fair trials’ often aren’t, as we see ourselves in the ceaseless venue-shopping by leftists (including judges) who view the law as an obstacle.
The Duality Of Man is present in nearly every character, especially Morant himself who had a foot in both camps - Victorian society and the Australian outback. Handcock was a typical larrikin (Bryan Brown brought amazing energy to the role) but eventually showed his humanistic, even spiritual side in the face of death. Witton went from innocent abroad to a still-young man embittered for life.
It must be said that despite strong performances all round it’s Jack Thompson who steals the show...a ‘country town solicitor’ who nearly upsets Lord Kitchener’s apple cart.
Great post! I agree 100% about the depth in this film. It’s one of the things I love most about it. Also quite agree about Jack Thompson. He was tremendous in the role.