GALLIPOLI Film Review

Wow.
I have no idea how I have overlooked this film all these years, also not sure how I missed it back in 1981, unless it had a very limited US release.
It is less a war movie and more a coming-of-age film. Yet it does contain quite a bit of socio-political commentary; it's just delivered in a quietly blunt manner.
The ending of the film, while predictable, manages to be both poignant and ironic, and packs an emotional wallop.
The cinematography is great and it again reminded me that Peter Weir knows how to shoot a scene and has made some stellar films over the years (Picnic At Hanging Rock, Master And Commander).
The only out-of-place aspect of the film was the somewhat jarring electronic score. Also, at times it really reminded me of Chariots of Fire for some reason (the running sub-plot and the electronic music, perhaps?).
Also, how did Mark Lee not become a big star? He was just a wee bit more charismatic than the young Mel Gibson.
Still, this is a great film and highly recommended.