Battle Ground (2013)

Three British soldiers find themselves stranded in No Man's Land after a failed charge on the German Trenches. Set in France 1916.

Directors:

Johan Earl, Adrian Powers

Writers:

Johan Earl, Denai Gracie (contributing writer)

Stars:

Johan Earl, Tim Pocock, Martin Copping

3 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Credited cast:
Johan Earl	...	Sgt. Maj. Arthur Wilkins
Tim Pocock	...	Pvt. O'Leary
Martin Copping	...	Cpl. Richard Jennings
Denai Gracie	...	Grace Wilkins
Sarah Mawbey	...	Eve Rose
Barry Quin	...	Dr. Bennett
Damian Sommerlad	...	Lieutenant
Oliver Trajkovski	...	Lieutenant's Aide
Igor Breakenback	...	Sgt. Schmidt (as Igor Smiljevic)
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Byron J. Brochmann	...	German Sniper
Gudmund Helmsdal	...	German Soldier (voice) (as Gudmund Helmsdal Nielsen)
Alex Jewson	...	Pvt. Riley
Steve Maxwell	...	German Soldier
James Shepherd	...	Pvt. Franklin
Craig Walker	...	Soldier Character Voices (voice)

Storyline

When an allied charge on the German lines goes horribly wrong, one man finds himself stranded in No Man's Land. Reuniting with two other survivors, together they must help each other as they charge into the unknown across the muddy wasteland as the Germans quickly hone in on the desperate trio. Tensions rise between the soldiers as they are surrounded by explosions of grenades with the constant rattle of machine guns in their ears. Time is running out as they make their way back over enemy lines as an impending attack could soon take them out.

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Plot Keywords:

world war one | two word title | independent film | 

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Taglines:

Survivors become heroes. Soldiers become brothers.

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Genres:

Action | Drama | War

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for war violence and grisly images

Did You Know?

Trivia

Some of the larger explosions could be heard over 30 kilometres away. Most craters were created prior to shooting but some of the largest ones occurred during filming.

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Goofs

During the trench scene prior to going over the top, there is a modern pallet stood in the trench - this type was only made after the 1950's and much more commonly from the 1970's.

User Reviews

Deconstructing War

Forbidden Ground – Battle Ground in other parts of the world – is a must see. The film pushes you - clue: a giant fishhook, you'll know it when you see it – finding a balance between reality and heroism that is exceptionally well carried by the cast. Unlike most films of it's genre, war and violence are not glorified as they are deconstructed. The characters build a convincing and consuming narrative that makes this more than just your average war film. Forbidden Ground proves that war in film is should not be simply well framed explosions – although those that are fans of a good detonation will not be disappointed – but a collection of heartbreaking and precious stories of survival, difficult choices, and perseverance. It is at heart a piece about people, and does not shy away from holding a mirror to battlefield politics and loss of innocence. Visually Forbidden Ground is sleek and where there are some visual effects that are noticeable, they do not intrude on the flow. All in all, Forbidden Ground is a fantastic effort and a quality production, and deserves all the international attention it is getting, and more!

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official Website

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 December 2013 (Australia)

Also Known As:

Battle Ground

Filming Locations:

Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia

Box Office

Budget:

AUD1,500,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

24/7 Films, Armzfx, Scarlet Fire Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1