A Very Short War

A Very Short War is a 2010 Australian war documentary directed by Bill Young and featuring the performances of Matthew Dyktynski and Deborah Kennedy. It's an engaging and poignant film that narrates the story of retired Australian World War I veteran, Oliver Woodward, and his experiences before, during, and after the war.

The movie title itself, A Very Short War, is both somber and ironic as it reflects the harsh reality of World War I, which high-spirited young men initially believed would be an exciting, brief adventure. Instead, it turned out to be a long and devastating war that marked a grim chapter in human history.

Matthew Dyktynski portrays Oliver Woodward, a character who served in the war and later dedicated his post-war life to recounting the shocking reality of the Great War. These accounts provide an exceptional basis for the movie. The film is an exploration of bravery, courage, camaritanism, and the strength of the human spirit, interweaved with the nightmarish experience of war, making the film a powerful anti-war statement.

At the heart of A Very Short War is the personal journey of Oliver Woodward. The film gives us a glimpse into his early life, his experience in the war, and his struggle to integrate back into society after the profound emotional and psychological scars of the Great War. Through the journey of Woodward, the movie presents a stark and heartrending description of the trench warfare used during World War I, emphasizing the human cost of war.

Through Woodward's eyes, viewers see the ghastly scenes of the battlefield, with its muddy trenches, gas attacks, and widespread death. The film does not shy away from the harsh realities and issues that the veterans had to deal with. This includes post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as shell shock at the time, which affected a significant number of soldiers returning from the war.

Despite the harrowing battlefield scenes, A Very Short War also portrays moments of warmth and camaraderie among soldiers, providing brief instances of humanity amid the utter devastation. These friendships formed in the trenches serve as a stark contrast to the brutal reality of the war, creating an emotionally charged narrative.

Coming back to their roles in the movies, Dyktynski is excellent in his portrayal of Woodward. His commendable acting brilliantly conveys the tumultuous range of emotions his character endures throughout the film. Deborah Kennedy, on the other hand, plays her role well, complimenting Dyktynski's performance and further accentuating the emotional depth of the film.

Director Bill Young does a commendable job in presenting a war narrative that is as poignant as it is intense. The film's pacing is deliberate, building tension and creating an atmosphere of visceral dread that mirrors the experiences of the soldiers in the trenches.

But the film is not solely about the atrocities of war; it also examines the effects of the war on society and individuals. The film intelligently interweaves historical clips, archival photographs, dramatic reenactments, and narration to bring to life the depth and scale of the Great War's impact.

The cinematography of A Very Short War is another noteworthy aspect, providing a vivid portrayal of the battlefield and the soldiers' living conditions. This portrayal enhances the atmospheric intensity of the film, allowing viewers to feel entirely immersed in the narrative.

With an engaging and well-researched script, A Very Short War is as educational as it is emotional. It captures the essence of Woodward's experiences and the broader context of World War I effectively.

In conclusion, A Very Short War is a remarkable war documentary that offers gritty, authentic insights into the life of a World War I veteran. It serves as a tribute to the courage and resilience of those who served in the Great War, while also acting as a clear anti-war statement. It's a must-see film for history enthusiasts, students, and anyone with a keen interest in exploring the realities of war.