Breaker Morant

Breaker Morant

Year: 1980

Runtime: 107 min

Language: English

Director: Bruce Beresford

DramaHistoryWar

During the Second Boer War in South Africa, Australian soldiers Harry "Breaker" Morant, Peter Handcock, and George Witton are accused of committing war crimes. They find themselves in a desperate situation, facing a court-martial and the formidable Lord Kitchener, the British Commander-in-Chief. Kitchener is determined to secure their convictions, even if it means compromising justice, to strengthen his position during peace negotiations with the Boer forces.

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Timeline & Setting – Breaker Morant (1980)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Breaker Morant (1980). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Second Boer War (1899-1902)

The movie is set during the Second Boer War, a pivotal conflict between the British Empire and the Boer republics in South Africa. This period was characterized by guerrilla warfare, shifts in military strategies, and significant political ramifications, ultimately leading to the formation of the Union of South Africa.

Location

South Africa

South Africa serves as the backdrop for the events of the trial and the Boer War, known for its complex historical context involving colonial tensions. The region was marked by conflict and a struggle for power, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as European powers sought to expand their empires.

🌍 Location ⚔️ War Zone

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:42

Main Characters – Breaker Morant (1980)

Meet the key characters of Breaker Morant (1980), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Harry 'Breaker' Morant

Morant is characterized by his fierce loyalty and a deep sense of vengeance, which drives him to commit acts that ultimately lead to his trial. His moral conflicts and pragmatic approach to warfare showcase the complexities of a soldier's psychology under extreme duress.

⚔️ Soldier 🎖️ Loyal 🔥 Vengeful

Major Thomas

Leading the troubling defense of Morant, Major Thomas embodies the struggle of maintaining ethics in a morally dubious situation. His credibility as a lawyer is tested as he grapples with the constraints imposed by the military court while trying to establish a solid defense.

🕵️‍♂️ Lawyer ⚖️ Advocate 💔 Resigned

Peter Handcock

Handcock, an essential character in the trial, represents the chaotic nature of wartime loyalty and the desperate measures taken in the heat of battle. His internal struggles play a key role in deepening the narrative around culpability and remorse.

⚔️ Soldier 🔪 Reckless 🧩 Complicated

George Witton

As a fellow soldier on trial, Witton confronts the reality of the decisions made under pressure. His eventual journey to authorship after imprisonment reflects the theme of seeking truth amid adversity and the burdens of memory and guilt.

📚 Author 🔍 Truth-Seeker 💔 Haunted

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:42

Major Themes – Breaker Morant (1980)

Explore the central themes of Breaker Morant (1980), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

The theme of justice is central to Breaker Morant, as the characters navigate a flawed military court system amid the chaos of war. The trial raises critical questions about accountability and the ethics of warfare, especially regarding orders and individual actions during armed conflict.

🔫 War Crimes

War crimes become a focal point, highlighting the moral ambiguity in the soldiers' actions. The brutal realities of war and the consequences of following orders lead to a harrowing exploration of how personal and military ethics clash in the face of survival and revenge.

📜 Legacy

The legacy of the trial and its outcomes informs the personal journeys of the characters after the war. The film delves into how historical events shape individual lives, particularly through Witton’s publication of a contentious account of the trial that sparks debate and reflection on the nature of truth.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:42

Unlock the Full Story of Breaker Morant

Don't stop at just watching — explore Breaker Morant in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Breaker Morant is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Breaker Morant Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Breaker Morant, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Breaker Morant Summary

Breaker Morant Timeline

Track the full timeline of Breaker Morant with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Breaker Morant Timeline

More About Breaker Morant

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More About Breaker Morant

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