On the front: Gallipoli tells the story of the infamous campaign from both perspectives.

Gallipoli
Documentary

Released in limited cinemas earlier this year to coincide with the 90th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, this Turkish-made documentary by award-winning director Tolga Ornek is an original look at the battle, which is described in the film as “an epic tale of courage, self sacrifice and stubborn endurance” for all concerned.

The film follows six Anzac, British and Turkish soldiers. As the leaders from both sides of the campaign and their strategies are introduced, it explores the impact this has on the soldiers’ lives.

Seeing a film that displays the Turkish perspective, and how they planned for and coped with the allied offensive, is just as interesting as seeing how they remember and view this attack on their nation.

The film also portrays how those countries involved as enemies during the battle, but who displayed mutual respect to each other, became friends afterwards, claiming “no battle has forged such strong comradeship and everlasting peace in its aftermath”.

It’s well researched, by teams in Turkey, Australia, UK, New Zealand, Germany, France and Russia, but, as a criticism, I found the trenches a little too tidy and the uniforms a little too clean and well maintained, which detracted from otherwise well choreographed battle scenes and depictions of enduring life in the trenches.

But perhaps the most interesting aspect for many viewers will be the insight into how Turkey views Gallipoli’s effects on world history and the effect the campaign had on Turkey becoming a republic from the ruins of an empire.

Rating:

– Cpl Damian Shovell

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