A film widely considered one of the greatest Australian films ever made continues to stun new audiences more than 40 years after its release. Gallipoli, Peter Weir’s acclaimed First World War drama starring a young Mel Gibson and Mark Lee, holds an impressive 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and many critics still hail it as a ‘masterpiece’ of anti-war cinema. Set in 1915, Gallipoli follows two talented young sprinters from Western Australia, the idealistic Archy Hamilton and the more cynical Frank Dunne who join the Australian Imperial Force with dreams of duty, adventure and proving themselves.

What begins as a light, almost sporting tale gradually shifts into a sobering account of innocence lost as the men are swept into the brutal reality of the Gallipoli campaign. Rather than relying on large-scale battle scenes, Gallipoli focuses on the people behind the uniforms, on their hopes, their fears, their humour, and the intense bond they form along the way.

At the time of release in 1981, the film also bolstered the emerging Australian New Wave film movement, drawing worldwide attention to the country’s filmmaking talent.

Four decades on, Gallipoli remains relevant because of its sharp critique of senseless military decisions, its intimate human focus and its refusal to glamorise war.

The climatic final moments of the film have become one of the most iconic endings in cinema, haunting audiences long after the credits roll.

With its themes of mateship, national identity and the shattering effects of war, the film is often cited as essential viewing in Australia and is regularly screened in hotels and hostels near the Gallipoli Peninsula where many travellers visit the historic battlefield.

One person wrote on Rotten Tomatoes: “A masterpiece of Australian cinema – human, heartbreaking, and unforgettable. A story built around friendship and the futility of war, has one of the most memorable ending in cinema history. One of 1981’s best movies.”

Someone else gave it a perfect 10/10 score on IMDb and wrote: “This is movie making at its finest. Splendidly acted and directed, this is a magnificent movie. Mel Gibson is tremendous and no wonder why Gibson became a great star, and later on a recognised talent for film making. I am a combat veteran of the great US Army and the finale of this stunning film made me weep.”

Another viewer it was a “perfect film.” They added: “Having just viewed ‘Gallipoli’ for around the 5th time, it stands up in the 21st century as a master stroke in story-telling. It has everything I require in a film – characters about whom I care, emotional depth and believability, structure, cinematography, a magnificent musical score, and of course, the genius direction of Peter Weir.”

Another IMDb user said: “This is one of the great films of all time. The characters are lovingly rendered, the script is subtle and believable, and Peter Weir’s direction is carefully crafted and extremely effective. Not a single flaw comes to mind. The film is very sad and poetic, without being maudlin. Unlike most anti-war movies, this film doesn’t beat you over the head with its theme – Gallipoli conveys its message in a subtle (yet clear) fashion. I recommend this film to everyone.”