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Breaker Morant

Play trailer Poster for Breaker Morant PG 1980 1h 47m History Drama War Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 23 Reviews 91% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
In South Africa during the Second Boer War, Australian Army Lieutenants Harry "Breaker" Morant (Edward Woodward), Peter Handcock (Bryan Brown) and George Witton (Lewis Fitz-Gerald) stand accused of the murders of six Boer prisoners and the assassination of a German missionary. British Commander-in-Chief Lord Kitchener is determined to see the men found guilty, which he can use as a bargaining chip in an impending peace conference with the Boers.
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Breaker Morant

Critics Reviews

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Dilys Powell Punch 10/02/2023
Why do I recommend an experience which is uncomfortable, even painful? That is the question I ask myself after Breaker Morant. Go to Full Review Travis Johnson The Curb 07/01/2021
Breaker Morant has very little truck with myth-making, dealing with the self-image and cultivated demeanour of Lieutenant Harry Morant (Edward Woodward), bush balladeer, horseman, Australian soldier, and murderer. Go to Full Review Nicholas Bell IONCINEMA.com 10/20/2020
3.5/5
Documenting a particularly heinous miscarriage of justice from the country's military history, Beresford's title helped established a legacy of commemorative reenactments from his native country and showcases a trio of excellent performances. Go to Full Review Matt Brunson Creative Loafing 10/03/2015
3.5/4
Based on a true story but playing like a close cousin to Stanley Kubrick's 1957 masterpiece Paths of Glory. Go to Full Review Cole Smithey ColeSmithey.com 04/03/2013
A+
"Breaker Morant" is an anti-war film that takes no prisoners. Go to Full Review Ken Hanke Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC) 10/13/2010
4/5
Bold, uncompromising and completely compelling filmmaking. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jonathan K Jul 13 This movie definitely feels like a product of its time, before forever wars and endless geopolitical chaos made things even messier. The whole “war as a moral puzzle” angle comes off a bit cute, even kinda naive compared to today's reality. So I'm not sure this movie ages well. It was just okay for me; I didn’t really connect emotionally with the characters. The film is pretty minimalistic and understated, but I can respect what it’s aiming for. Which is the idea that nobody’s is right here and everyone's hands are dirty. See more Jeremy F Jan 7 The movie has been well crafted from the book 'Scapegoats of the Empire' by George Witton. Other than George Witton's account, there is little else recorded as to what happened in the trial. The script is tight and well written. With flashbacks showing the build up to the trial the movie captures well the atmosphere of the time. The cast is well chosen, with a special mention to Jack Thompson who became a household after his portrayal as Major J.F. Thomas. Although the movie is over 40 years old, I feel it still holds itself well. If you have not seen recently, it is certainly worth seeing again. See more miguel s 09/07/2024 Amazing movie! Acting, plot, script, cinematography all at the top. This movie is the flag bearer of a great period of Australian cinema inclusive of Gallipoli, Mad Max, Australian Light Brigade, and on and on. See more Jelisije J 08/23/2024 A fantastic war film that is based on a true story of three soldiers who were tried and scapegoated by their government in a time of war for "barbarism" when the country itself should be on trial with the soldiers. See more Connor S 05/24/2024 A courtroom drama mixed with the hellacious and insidious aspects of war, and somehow ties the 2 together splendidly. See more S R @ScottR 03/28/2024 A compelling military courtroom drama with a Colonial flair. Saw on Tubi. See more Read all reviews
Breaker Morant

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Cast & Crew

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Bruce Beresford

Director

Edward Woodward

Lt. Harry "Breaker" Morant

Jack Thompson

Maj. J.F. Thomas

Bryan Brown

Lt. Peter Handcock

John Waters

Capt. Alfred Taylor

Rod Mullinar

Maj. Charles Bolton

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Breaker Morant

Breaker Morant (1980) Breaker Morant (1980) Breaker Morant (1980) Breaker Morant (1980) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis In South Africa during the Second Boer War, Australian Army Lieutenants Harry "Breaker" Morant (Edward Woodward), Peter Handcock (Bryan Brown) and George Witton (Lewis Fitz-Gerald) stand accused of the murders of six Boer prisoners and the assassination of a German missionary. British Commander-in-Chief Lord Kitchener is determined to see the men found guilty, which he can use as a bargaining chip in an impending peace conference with the Boers.
Director
Bruce Beresford
Producer
Matthew Carroll
Distributor
New World Pictures
Rating
PG
Genre
History, Drama, War
Original Language
Australian English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 16, 1980, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
May 22, 2017
Runtime
1h 47m
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