Kokoda - 39th Battalion Reviews

[Highly rated reviewer]

A decent war movie!

I stumbled across Kokoda whilst searching for great war movies on the internet and after reading the reviews for this film I could not wait to see it. I can safely say that after watching it did not disappoint. The story focuses on a small group of Australian soldiers who are basically the frontline troops. Inexperienced they camp down on the Kokoda path waiting for the Japanese to arrive. You can tell that this war movie has been directed by art and media students as it is perfectly shot and the dialogue is also very strong. You really get a sense of what these soldiers must have gone through and some of the scenes whether it be violence or the elements taking their toll on them are very graphic and not for the faint hearted!

Its good to witness a war movie that does not follow in the footsteps of other films in this genre, it sticks to the gritty side of the psychological and emotional effects that war has on a human being rather than an over the top story told in epic proportions. Thumbs up from me.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Above average

Usualy I find any Australian productions quite amateurish with poor results when searching for realism.

However this film was surprising and above average for me.

The thing missing was the lack of enemy involved. If more emphasis had have been put on the visuals where the Japanese were concerned then it could have been a very good movie.

But if you are into war movies then give it a go.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Excellent War film

Where do I start!?

This is a top film, makes a change from watching your typcial American Gung Ho WW2 films.

The colours of the jungle are beautiful, definatly recommend watching this with the soround sound on, the jungle noises, the sound of sloshing in the mud.

The action scene is good too. I wont spoil it, but if you into war films, this is one to watch.

Another one for the personal dvd collection.

A fantastic portrayal of jungle warfare

I first saw Kokoda in the cinemas in Australia, and thought it was the best film I had ever seen to convey the hardships of fighting in the jungle - from the invisibility of the enemy, communications problems, supply problems and pervasive diseases.

Filmed in rainforest on the Northern NSW/Queensland border in Australia, the film also accurately portrays the history of the time and the frustrations of the troops, as well as the composition of the 39th Militia Batallion.

One veteran of the trail did have a comment of the start of the film: 'I don't remember it being that muddy' - in the opening sequence you'll see what they mean!

A definite must-view - none of the soul-searching of the Thin Red Line or anti-war messages of Saving Private Ryan, just the gritty reality of a historic battle in the Second World War.

A different slant

Excellent film with a refreshingly different story. Sound brill in surround sound.

Factual account but lacking depth

I eagerly read the review comments and was hoping for an engaging story and strong action sequences similar to 'We were soldiers once ...and young'.

Sadly, there is a lack of empathy for the characters and whilst they were not frontline troops, they were devoid of heroism. Often, they hid and avoided the enemy which was disappointing especially after they had witnessed first hand what happened to their colleagues.

The last stand depicts their bravery or was it because there was no where else to hide and avoid the enemy. All told, it was worth watching just to say you'd seen it.

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average war movie

To be honest this dvd is slightly better than 2 stars but not quite 3 so i have given it 3 as i am in a kind mood.For me the script should have been better,the direction more assured.The characters are honestly portrayed and it empasises the bonding between men under war conditions,willingly putting there lives on the line.The action is violent and bloody and tense in parts,probably one for a younger audience.Hopefully younger people will look up this story online or read history books about the war.

Kokoda - 39th Battalion

not too bad , more to do with the realities and hardship ( horid conditions and sickness ) of a soldier than a straight forward war film ( explosions etc )

worthy

A worthy war movie by any standard. smell the fear.

disappointing

This movie has great scenery, and is shot very well....but I didn't really get to 'know' any of the characters.

The reviews for this film made me want to see it, but I was disappointed with the lack of any real involment from the enemy or the 'main' characters.