Breaker Morant

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An Australian film based on true events from the second Ango-Boer War in South Africa. The late Edward Woodward plays the title character, an Australian officer in the British army. The film depicts the military trial as Morant and two of his fellow officers are charged with war crimes for executing surrendering prisoners, though they maintain that they were acting under orders. As the trial progresses, it becomes clear that the military intends to convict the officers to cover up the complicity of the military leadership in the executions. The film is based on "Scapegoats of the Empire", an account written by one of the accused officers.

Tropes used in Breaker Morant include:

• Aussies With Artillery: It does take place during a war.
• Australian Movies
• Confess to a Lesser Crime: When Handcock is accused of murdering a German missionary, he admits that he'd spent that day in the bed of a married woman. Turns out he had time to do both.
• Famous Last Words: Shoot straight, you bastards, don't make a mess of it! Also a Facing the Bullets One-Liner.
• The Greatest History Never Told: Averted, the film deals with the second Anglo-Boer war, not one of the best known wars.
• Hypocritical Humor: When two British characters are talking about the danger of Germany entering the war.

Lord Kitchener: Needless to say, the Germans couldn't give a damn about the Boers. It's the diamonds and gold of South Africa they're after. Major Bolton: (earnestly) They lack our altruism, sir. Lord Kitchener: (Beat) Quite.

• Kangaroo Court
• Land Down Under: While the film takes place in South Africa, Morant and his contingent are Australian.
• Second Boer War
• Shot At Dawn