“After Gallipoli there was still a war to be won”
A few weeks ago I read and reviewed “Beneath Hill 60” by historian Will Davies, it told the true story of the destruction of the Messines Ridge when 19 mines were detonated successfully on 7th June, 1917 – two failed.
The film, directed by Jeremy Hartley Sims, stars Brendan Cowell as Captain Oliver Woodward and Harrison Gilbertson as young Frank Tiffin. Cowell’s love interest is played by Bella Heathcote a relative newcomer best known for her short portrayal of Amanda Fowler in Grundy’s Neighbours.
The film is a wonderful and moving tribute to the countless soldiers who lost their lives in the “War to end all wars”, World War One.
David Roach provides a spellbinding and taut script, based on the diaries of Captain Woodward. The acting is honest, bereft of Hollywood histrionics – simple hard graft pays off resulting in a magical two hours of history and entertainment.
Not only do we see the war through the eyes of the British, and for the greater part Number 1 company of the Australian Imperial Force, but their enemy; the Germans. A well balanced portrayal of actual events, the film gives us a unique understanding of how the Germans reacted to the deep tunnelling and how the Australians overcame the difficulties of deep tunnelling.
There were no winners in a war of this magnitude, one minute you’d successfully gained 10 yards and no sooner had the celebrating died down but the victors were on the back foot retreating 10 yards – and at what cost? Thousands upon thousands of human lives. Wasted.
Captain Oliver Woodward signed up to fight in The Great War following the death of his cousin in Gallipoli. Woodward, who played a major part in the Australian tunnelling Company, acted without delay upon receiving news of Moffat Reid’s death. Woodward had received numerous white feathers, a mark of cowardice, for his decision to work in the copper mines rather than sign up and fight for his country.
Beneath Hill 60 gives us an insight into Woodward’s love interest Marjorie Waddell, a young 16 year old infatuated with her handsome soldier. Shot in its entirety in Queensland, the cinematography is magical and the scenery beautiful, adding a welcome rich colour to the movie.
The scenes at the front are truly oppressive, horrific and dark. Sims capturing the true reality of the front, close confined spaces, flooded mines and the dangerous exploits of the tunnellers –effortlessly.
The supporting actors all play their part and the division between officer and soldier is obvious for all to see. Polish composer Cezary Skubiszewski completes the film with a beautiful and poignant score.
Highly recommended, this film is on a par with Gallipoli, The Lighthorsemen and Anzacs – a must buy and a superb addition to home entertainment. The film is both powerful and evocative.
Woodward was awarded the Military Cross with two bars, one of only four Australians to receive the honour.
The “Beneath Hill 60” DVD from Momentum Pictures is released on October 11th, 2010. Buy Now.
