I loved this semi-documentary. It presented many themes: the control that colonial masters had over the lives, literally, the lives of the citizens of their colonies. The contempt the British had for colonial soldiers - these particular Aussies were first exposed to British wartime incompetence at Gallipoli, and having survived that, were further exposed to British arrogance and contempt for the ordinary soldier at Somme. It presented the theme of the futility and the staggering human cost of war. Mark Twain once said that war is a situation into which ordinary men are forced, and in times or their own choosing, would likely help those they encountered. But in war, they must kill those they encounter. War is an evil created, propagated, and enforced by small men with great egos. This film presents that loudly and clearly, without being too forceful. I loved the balance and honesty in this film. Australian men were pushed to fight for Mother England thousands of miles from their homes, and for a cause that had nothing to do with the freedom of Australia. However, the filmmakers did not duck the prejudice and even cruelty that Australians inflicted upon German descendants, whether on the battlefield as German soldiers, or whether as citizens in Australia. This is an excellent, well researched, credible, and well organized semi-documentary. If you love history - you must watch it. If you want action, fake heroism, and faux love sex scenes - go find some Hollywood movies about WWI. there are many. but this is a really excellent presentation of the war from the Australian point of view, and from a humanitarian point of view. War is not, and should not, be entertainment.