Kokoda (2006)

User Rating:

6.1/10   

Director:

Alister Grierson

Writers:

Alister Grierson (written by)
John Lonie (written by)

Release Date:

2007 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Drama | War

Tagline:

Mates Became Heroes. The Track Became Legend.

Plot:

A bitter battle is fought between Australian and Japanese soldiers along the Kokoda trail in New Guinea during World War II. |

Plot Keywords:

Soldier | Jungle War | Slit Throat | WWII | Hand Grenade

Awards:

1 win & 6 nominations

Cast

Jack Finsterer	...	Jack Scholt
Travis McMahon	...	Darko
Simon Stone	...	Max Scholt
Luke Ford	...	Burke
Tom Budge	...	Johnno
Steve Le Marquand	...	Sam
Angus Sampson	...	Dan
Christopher Baker	...	Blue
Ewen Leslie	...	Wilstead
Ben Barrack	...	The Lieutenant
Shane Bourne	...	The Doctor
William McInnes	...	The Colonel
Darren Taylor	...	Soldier - Forward Position
Lucas Stibbard	...	Wounded Man
Jeffey Gunn	...	Smiling PNG Stretcher Bearer

Also Known As:

Kokoda: 39th Battalion (UK)
Untitled Alister Grierson Project (Australia) (working title)

Runtime:

Argentina:92 min | Australia:92 min

Country:

Australia

Language:

English | German

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Australia:M | USA:PG-13 | Argentina:13

Filming Locations:

Mt. Tamborine, Queensland, Australia

Company:

Australian Film Finance Corporation (AFFC)

Trivia:

William McInnes did this movie for free. His part only required him to be on set for a day. In his own words he says: “I suppose in a minor way, doing this part is like tipping my hat to my father's generation. It's only a day's work and I decide to donate my fee to Legacy. So at least someone will get something out of it.”

Goofs:

Continuity: After the Australians regroup after the first Japanese attack, Darko and Jack decide to find out what happened to Bluey. They both set out with rifles. However, in one of the subsequent shots Darko is clearly carrying a Bren light machine gun. In the next shot he is suddenly carrying a rifle again.

Quotes:

[from trailer]
Dan: Suppose it'd be inappropriate to ask for leave on the grounds of compassion at this late juncture?
Sam: What grounds would they be then?
Dan: On the grounds that I don't wanna get me head blown off.

I wish there were more like "Kokoda"

After years of forgettable comedies, and unmeaning stories along comes something important - Kokoda. A daring, gritty, warts and all account of the harsh jungle environment our men were thrusts into as Australia's last line of defence against the Japanese Empire.

Excellently filmed and presented Kokoda delivers on most levels and despite the budget restrictions, and some shaky dialogue it overcome's all obstacles telling a personal, in your face account of brotherhood and the adversity of war, rather then a historical portrait.

This film is not for the squeamish, it has its gore but only adds to the realism of the events. The story is well rounded and never loses its grip, the performances are good too providing a solid 90 minutes of consequential drama.

Working with such a tight budget the cast and crew have done extremely well on this outing. This is the best Australian film I have seen in years, bar none. I wish we'd stop being so safe, I wish there were more Australian films like Kokoda.