Kokoda (2006)

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:

Jungle | Heavy Rain | Hand To Hand Combat | Hand Grenade | Extreme Close Up

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:

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:

USA:PG-13 | Australia:M | 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.

Never Trust Critics

I've had this DVD for two months but was put off watching it because of the reviews I'd read on IMDb.

I should have known better. Always trust your gut instinct.

This is a great movie; not because it's technically good; not because the acting is great but because it tries and succeeds to tell the story of one of those rare occasions where a handful of men, against all odds, genuinely change the course of history.

Just because most people outside Australia know nothing about the Kokoda Track, doesn't diminish what those young Australians of 39th Militia Battalion did in 1942 and doesn't lessen the debt Australia and the allies in general owes them.

These men saved our nation regardless of what the "arm chair" generals say in hindsight.

I thought the film did an excellent job in showing not only the physical conditions faced by these young diggers but also how perfectly normal people rise to the challenge (and sometimes don't) when faced with abnormal circumstances.

I thought the cast did a great job depicting how our grandfathers faced these unimaginable horrors.

For those who are looking for a Hollywood epic; watch something else.

For those who want a glimpse of what truly makes people achieve greatness for no better reason than they are in the wrong place at the right time, please give it a go.

And finally for those who view it simply as Australian propaganda, you are probably right so don't watch it.