'Breaker' Morant

1980

'Breaker' Morant

Critics Consensus

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100%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 22

91%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 4,934
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Movie Info

One of the best dramas to emerge from Australia in the 1980s, Breaker Morant won numerous awards and was nominated for several others. Director Bruce Beresford's mantle is also filled with awards for other impressive films, including Tender Mercies (1983) and Driving Miss Daisy (1989). The setting of this true story is South Africa during the Boer War (1899-1902). Many Aussie soldiers volunteered to help the British defeat the Boers and "Breaker" Harry Morant (Edward Woodward) was among this group. He had left Britain for Australia in the late 19th century and because he was adept at taming wild horses he was given the nickname of "Breaker." Once in South Africa he became a leader of the other soldiers in his non-regular army unit, and it did not take him long to catch on to the fact that the Boers (Dutch colonialists and their descendants in South Africa) were not fighting according to traditional rules. He and his fellow soldiers were ordered to execute anyone taken as a prisoner -- and they did. When news of this sanctioned violation of the rules of war got out, the British army had to find some scapegoats, and quick. "Breaker" Morant and two other Aussies, Lt. Peter Handcock (Bryon Brown) and Lt. George Witton (Lewis Fitzgerald) were court martialed as an example to others. And then their trial begins.

Cast

Edward Woodward
as Lt. Harry 'Breaker' Morant
Jack Thompson
as Maj. J.F. Thomas
Bryan Brown
as Lt. Peter Handcock
Rod Mullinar
as Maj. Charles Bolton
Lewis Fitz-Gerald
as Lt. George Witton
Charles 'Bud' Tingwell
as Lt. Col. Denny
John Waters
as Capt. Alfred Taylor
Vincent Ball
as Lt. Ian `Johnny' Hamilton
Frank Wilson
as Dr. Johnson
Terence Donovan
as Capt. Simon Hunt
Russell Kiefel
as Christiaan Botha
Alan Cassell
as Lord Kitchener
Judy Dick
as Mrs. Shiels
Ray Meagher
as Sgt Major Drummond
Barbara West
as Mrs. Mrs. Vanderberg
Rob Steele
as Captain Robertson
Wayne Bell
as Lieutenant Reed
Ian Gray
as B/M Thomas
Dick Henderson
as Captain Nicholson
Alan Lovett
as Scots Sentry
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Critic Reviews for 'Breaker' Morant

All Critics (22) | Fresh (22)

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Audience Reviews for 'Breaker' Morant

  • Oct 19, 2012
    Zulu. The Man Who Would Be King. Breaker Morant. I just love jingoism!
    Christian C Super Reviewer
  • Aug 26, 2011
    At the beginning of the 20th century 3 Aussie soldiers are court-martialed for killing 6 Boers in South Africa, only the game is rigged. An ugly tale of military necessities versus political necessities made real by rich performances.
    Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
  • Jul 13, 2011
    Riveting, and strong as a thunder. Authoritarian figures and the misuse of power will always be problems to deal with as long as more resources are given to the wrong political candidates. The big picture is how many lives have to be sacrificed in order to maintain dignity and honor.... errr, peace. However, that's just the background. The real issue is whether this unjust decisions and stupid "holes" in the law will carry on with even more serious social and political issues in the future. God, how stupid can man be sometimes. 95/100
    Edgar C Super Reviewer
  • Dec 27, 2010
    Checking out the movies inspired from real events, I came across this one. Especially interested in crime genre movies based on true events, I just couldn't overlook this. An IMDb rating of 8/10 (at the time when this is been written) only added to my eagerness to check it out. It was like any other courtroom drama (here it's court-martial). Nevertheless, it was worth a watch. It depicts how some brave lieutenants are used as scapegoats in order to seek peace!!! The case was presented marvelously & it was intriguing to see how the relatively inexperienced lawyer of the accused defends them. However, one can easily deduct that the outcome of the case was already decided upon before even the case has started. The movie was handled excellently; it was interesting thoroughly for what could otherwise have been a boring predictable docudrama. All the actors play their part quite impressively. If you're a fan of movies based on true events, you might like to check this out. It's not too great, but is worth a shot.
    familiar s Super Reviewer
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