The approach of Anzac Day (April 25) always brings with it a focus on films dealing with Australian war stories, and there are numerous outstanding films on this topic. Blood Oath, released on DVD earlier this month, looks at a chapter of Australia’s war history not previously explored in film.

Blood Oath tells the incredible story of the brutal war crimes committed on the island of Ambon, and of the subsequent trials held on the island in 1946. Not a war story per se, the film exposes the stories of sadistic beatings, torture and mass murder, which come to light through the trials.

With a brilliant cast headed by Bryan Brown, George Takei and Russell Crowe, the film manages to explore these events with a sense not of revenge or of horror, but more of justice being done.

The DVD contains many exclusive and educational special features, making it an excellent educational tool for students of history, including behind the scenes footage, ATOM study guide materials, and the original documents from the Ambon War Crimes trials, explaining the entire trial process. The DVD also contains the Music Video clip of Memorial Day by Russell Crowe’s Band, 30 Odd Foot of Grunts. Other special features include DVD ROM web links, a film trailer and subtitles for the hearing impaired.

Blood Oath is available to own on DVD from April 10, 2002, for a recommended price of $34.95 (AUD), from Roadshow Entertainment. It is rated M and has a running time of 108 minutes.

Other Quality Australian DVDs

Australians at War
He Died With a Felafel in His Hand
Wide World of sports Cricket series