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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Breaker Morant (1980). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


Breaker Morant delves into the harrowing murder trial of three Australian soldiers, who serve as officers of the elite Bushveldt Carbineers in South Africa. The accused—Harry “Breaker” Morant, Peter Handcock, and George Witton—stand trial for the murder of a Boer prisoner, followed by the execution of six additional prisoners, while Morant and Handcock are implicated in the sniper-style death of a German missionary, the Rev. Hesse. Their defense, led by Major Thomas, is severely hampered, having only one day to prepare a viable argument.

At the heart of this trial is Lord Kitchener, who aims to terminate the Boer War through a peace conference. To demonstrate his commitment to military ethics, he uses the Morant trial as an example of his willingness to hold his own soldiers accountable when they breach warfare regulations. However, the trial is fraught with complexity, as noted by one character—the intricacies of charging active-duty personnel with murder are anything but straightforward. Nevertheless, Kitchener remains resolute in pursuing a guilty verdict, with the chief of the court supporting him.

The narrative explores the events and motivations leading to the trial. Morant’s execution of the Boer prisoners stems from a desperate need for revenge following the mutilation and death of his friend and commanding officer, Captain Hunt. Following this tragic event, Morant leads a brutal attack on a Boer camp, resulting in the capture of a Boer clad in Captain Hunt’s uniform, whom he executes without hesitation.

Similarly, the murders of six Boer prisoners unfold in a ruthless manner. Morant attempts to rationalize these deaths, asserting, > “You know the orders from Whitehall. If they show a white flag, we don’t see it. I didn’t see it.” His conviction leads him to suspect the German missionary, Rev. Hesse, of being a spy after witnessing him converse with Boer captives. In a fit of anger, Morant expresses his fury, which prompts Handcock to follow the missionary, who is discovered dead the following morning.

As the trial progresses, the bias of the court toward a predetermined guilty outcome becomes strikingly evident, alongside the political maneuvering fueling it. The central question revolves around whether Kitchener issued orders to execute all Boer prisoners; Major Thomas argues convincingly that there were indeed unrecorded orders to that effect, communicated verbally. However, disproving their existence proves impossible since Captain Hunt conveyed them to Morant through informal channels.

Amidst the irony of Morant’s compliance with orders leading to his actions, it is revealed that he and Handcock are guilty of Hesse’s murder. Handcock, after meticulously crafting an alibi with two acquaintances, confides in Witton about his clandestine pursuit and shooting of Hesse. Although the court acquits them of this particular charge, they are nonetheless found guilty of the other offenses.

Conveniently, Kitchener is absent during the critical pleas for a reprieve. Though he reduces Witton’s sentence to life imprisonment, Morant and Handcock’s fates are sealed, and they face execution the following morning. An ironic twist awaits even in death; Handcock’s coffin is too small for his frame, necessitating a grotesque effort by the soldiers to fit his body inside.

In a reflective conclusion, the audience learns of the fates that befall these characters post-trial. Major Thomas returns to Australia, where he continues his law practice focused primarily on estate management and wills. Witton endures a three-year prison sentence but eventually earns his release amidst public outcry, later penning a controversial book titled Scapegoats of the Empire. This inflammatory account of the Breaker Morant affair proves so contentious that it is suppressed during the World Wars.

Timeline

Track the key events of Breaker Morant (1980) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Murder Trial Begins

The film opens with the start of the murder trial of three Australian soldiers, Harry 'Breaker' Morant, Peter Handcock, and George Witton. They are accused of murdering a Boer prisoner, which sets the stage for the unfolding legal and moral complexities of the case.

Accusations and Charges

The accused soldiers face serious charges, including the murder of six additional Boer prisoners. The prosecution consists of military officials who underscore the gravity of the accusations, highlighting the implications for soldiers in wartime.

Lord Kitchener's Involvement

Lord Kitchener, determined to end the Boer War, uses the trial to showcase military accountability. His goal is to emphasize that even his own soldiers must face justice if they violate wartime ethics, placing significant pressure on the trial proceedings.

Morant's Motivations

The narrative delves into Morant's motivations, revealing his fierce desire for revenge after the death of his commanding officer, Captain Hunt. This personal loss drives him to take extreme actions against Boer captives, shaping the story's tragic trajectory.

Brutal Attack on Boer Camp

In retaliation for Captain Hunt's mutilation, Morant leads a brutal attack on a Boer camp. This violent act results in capturing a Boer wearing Captain Hunt's uniform, culminating in Morant executing him without hesitation, illustrating the raw emotions driving him.

Execution of Boer Prisoners

Morant's rationale for executing six Boer prisoners highlights his belief that they posed a threat. He claims orders from higher authorities allowed for such actions, illustrating his moral justifications amidst the chaos of war and personal loss.

Death of Rev. Hesse

The plot thickens with the involvement of the German missionary, Rev. Hesse. Suspecting him of espionage, Morant's fury leads to Hesse's murder, a decision that weighs heavily on the court's trial as both Morant and Handcock navigate their culpability.

The Trial's Bias

As the trial progresses, the biases of the court become glaringly evident. Major Thomas argues that unrecorded orders existed to execute Boer prisoners, yet the informal nature of communications complicates the defense, showcasing the intertwined politics of the trial.

Murder of Hesse Acquittal

Despite the evidence against Morant and Handcock regarding Hesse's murder, the court acquits them of this charge. However, they are found guilty on other counts, emphasizing the moral ambiguities that underpin their actions during the war.

Verdict and Sentences

The trial concludes with devastating outcomes. While Witton's sentence is reduced to life imprisonment, Morant and Handcock face execution, highlighting the cruel ironies of a wartime justice system that prioritizes accountability over individual lives.

The following morning

Execution Day

On the day of their execution, an ironic twist of fate occurs; Handcock's coffin is too small for his body. This grotesque moment underscores the tragic consequences of the soldiers' actions and the toll of war on their lives.

Aftermath of the Trial

The aftermath of the trial reveals the fates of the soldiers. Major Thomas returns to Australia to continue his law practice, while Witton endures a lengthy prison sentence, ultimately finding a controversial avenue for storytelling.

Australia

Witton's Publication

Witton writes *Scapegoats of the Empire*, a book detailing the events surrounding the Breaker Morant affair. However, the book's content is so inflammatory that it is suppressed during the World Wars, reflecting societal tensions over historical narratives.

Legacy of the Trial

The trial leaves a lasting impact on military ethics and wartime accountability. It serves as a poignant case study illuminating the complexities and moral dilemmas faced by soldiers during conflicts.

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Breaker Morant (1980) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Harry 'Breaker' Morant

Morant is characterized by his fierce loyalty and a deep sense of vengeance, which drives him to commit acts that ultimately lead to his trial. His moral conflicts and pragmatic approach to warfare showcase the complexities of a soldier's psychology under extreme duress.

⚔️ Soldier 🎖️ Loyal 🔥 Vengeful

Major Thomas

Leading the troubling defense of Morant, Major Thomas embodies the struggle of maintaining ethics in a morally dubious situation. His credibility as a lawyer is tested as he grapples with the constraints imposed by the military court while trying to establish a solid defense.

🕵️‍♂️ Lawyer ⚖️ Advocate 💔 Resigned

Peter Handcock

Handcock, an essential character in the trial, represents the chaotic nature of wartime loyalty and the desperate measures taken in the heat of battle. His internal struggles play a key role in deepening the narrative around culpability and remorse.

⚔️ Soldier 🔪 Reckless 🧩 Complicated

George Witton

As a fellow soldier on trial, Witton confronts the reality of the decisions made under pressure. His eventual journey to authorship after imprisonment reflects the theme of seeking truth amid adversity and the burdens of memory and guilt.

📚 Author 🔍 Truth-Seeker 💔 Haunted

Setting

Uncover the settings of Breaker Morant (1980), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

Second Boer War (1899-1902)

The movie is set during the Second Boer War, a pivotal conflict between the British Empire and the Boer republics in South Africa. This period was characterized by guerrilla warfare, shifts in military strategies, and significant political ramifications, ultimately leading to the formation of the Union of South Africa.

Location

South Africa

South Africa serves as the backdrop for the events of the trial and the Boer War, known for its complex historical context involving colonial tensions. The region was marked by conflict and a struggle for power, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as European powers sought to expand their empires.

🌍 Location ⚔️ War Zone

Themes

Explore the core themes of Breaker Morant (1980). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


⚖️

Justice

The theme of justice is central to Breaker Morant, as the characters navigate a flawed military court system amid the chaos of war. The trial raises critical questions about accountability and the ethics of warfare, especially regarding orders and individual actions during armed conflict.

🔫

War Crimes

War crimes become a focal point, highlighting the moral ambiguity in the soldiers' actions. The brutal realities of war and the consequences of following orders lead to a harrowing exploration of how personal and military ethics clash in the face of survival and revenge.

📜

Legacy

The legacy of the trial and its outcomes informs the personal journeys of the characters after the war. The film delves into how historical events shape individual lives, particularly through Witton’s publication of a contentious account of the trial that sparks debate and reflection on the nature of truth.

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