Gallipoli

This film has all the key elements; a great story, gripping, humour and great cinematography. The chemistry between Lee and Gibson seems to be reflected on screen as well. They seem like two friends that would go to the pub for a beer and a chat. Despite being shot in 1981 in hasn't dated. This story mixes the lives of young male Australians with the politics and English involvement in the haphazard and farcical Gallipoli offensive to give a strong anti-war message at a personal level. Great pace, balance and sound track.

What are your legs made of?
steelsprings.
What will they do?
Hurtle me down the track.
What will they do?!
Hurtle me down the track!
How fast can you run?!
Fast as a leapoard
How fast are you going to run?!
Fast as a leapoard!

This is considered by some to be the finest anti-war movie made. Writing credist also need to be given to David Williamson. Weir says that...

"Gallipoli is about two young men on the road to adventure, how they crossed continents and great oceans, climbed the pyramids and walked through the ancient sands of Egypt, and the deserts of the outback, to their appointment with destiny at Gallipoli."
http://www10.pair.com/~crazydv/weir/articles/articlej.html

That about sums it up.

We are the ghosts,
Who fought for
you.

We are the blind,
Who keep stumbling
forward.

We are the lame,
Who carry on
regardless.

We are the deaf,
Who watch friends
fall.

We are the sick,
Who can never
rest.

We are the wounded,
Who wait for
death.

We are the dead.

Your family. Your friends.

Who died to keep you and your country safe.

Do not forget us.

By Pos at age 11

Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives;
You are now living in the soil of a friendly country, therefore rest in peace.
There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us
where they lie side by side here in this country of ours.
You, the mothers, who sent their sons from faraway countries,
wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace.
After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well.

This piece is now engraved in English on a monument at the Gallipoli site.

Consequences of war

Why is the Gallipoli campaign considered as a pivotal moment in Australian history? Should it be celebrated?

Gallipoli is considered a pivotal moment in history because at that time, Australia didn't have much history, and she had to take what she could get. The fact that we still "celebrate" this day says a lot about us.

We can plaster a smile on a wave a flag and shake the hands of people who went through experiences we'll never know about.

Gallipoli is a blatant display of human stupidity, from which nothing apparent has been learnt, even though it is nearly 100 years since the date. And since no one has learnt, why subject us, the students, to the horror of human terror for which our ancestors are guilty?

Anyway, most people automatically associate celebrating with happy things, such as birthdays and Christmas, times when we get presents and smile and sing happy songs. Not for times when we are sad and think of the past and lots of people dead. We remember a war (silly teacher who wrote that question out).

Anyway, as I was alluding to, few people can remember Gallipoli. Look at the marches. The people march are the people who were there, who can remember it all.

Certainly, Gallipoli was a major action on Australia's part, it was also a huge failure and a waste of human lives. I certainly do feel for the families of those who died, and I am grateful that I will not go through that pain soon. But I should not have to remember those I never knew.