The film Australia
December 11, 2008 – 6:00 amSeveral weeks ago, the day it was released, some friends and I went to see the movie Australia. For some peculiar reason, this film has been receiving very mixed reviews. It was clear to us and to others at the theater and to a number of people to whom I have spoken that it was a very good movie. The setting was most unusual, the characters were well-acted and quite memorable, including the evil guy, and, of course, the little boy. The fact that it was set in the period immediately following Pearl Harbor day added information that many of us were not aware of.
It is easy to be critical of the Australian earlier practice of separating biracial children from their mothers and placing them in mission schools, as shown in the movie. But our record of separating Native American children from their families was just about the same thing.
Back to the World War II reference. I’m sure many of you knew that Australia was attacked within months of the attack on Pearl Harbor. I did not. In the movie, a horrible scene was shown, with many lives lost and utter confusion – much like any attack anywhere, I suppose, whether in an American high school, the streets of Baghdad, a first-class hotel in Mumbai, the twin towers of New York City, or the refugee camps in Somalia.
The attack, planned and led by the commander responsible for the attack on Pearl Harbor, occurred on February 19, 1942. At least 188 planes were launched against Darwin where the harbor was full of ships. Many ships were lost and much damage was done to the town of Darwin. At least 243 people were killed and between 300 and 400 were wounded. The attack was dramatically shown on film, particularly as it involved some of the characters we cared about.
I’m glad I saw the movie Australia.
For more World War II stories, go to www.Peggeorge.com
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