Attack! Battle Of New Britain

Attack! Battle of New Britain is a raw, gripping and authentic insight into the military operations of World War II. This 1944 film, masterly documented by the United States War Department, features English actors Leo Genn and Burgess Meredith, and prominent American screenwriter Anthony Veiller. It is not a conventional feature film but rather a battlefield documentary that takes the viewer directly into the heart of the Pacific War.

At the core of the film is the immense strategic operation by Allied forces to overpower the heavily entrenched Japanese forces in the region of New Britain, an island in the Southwest Pacific. This battle forms part of the wider series of conflicts known as the New Guinea campaign that took place during 1943-1944.

The documentary opens with a comprehensive map, detailing with meticulous precision the geography of the island, the location of enemy forces, and the overall military strategy planned by Allied high command. The map serves as both a tactical tool for Allied forces and as a narrative device for viewers, charting the course of the forthcoming battle.

Burgess Meredith's voiceover provides a compelling narrative thread throughout the film, exploring the strategy and tactics of the offensive while also showcasing life on the battleground. Meredith's impassioned rendition brings the soldiers’ experiences, fears, and hopes to life, bridging the gap between the home front and the frontline. His distinctive voice lends a solemn weight to the proceedings, contrasting the urgency of warfare with poignant moments of introspection.

Featuring alongside Meredith is Leo Genn. An esteemed British stage and film actor, his presence brings an additional layer of gravitas to the film, with his solemn expressions and heartfelt dialogue resonating deeply. His headlining performance alongside Meredith elevates the film beyond it being simply a military documentary, providing the documentary with a strong emotional core.

The film aims not only to document an important battle in World War II, but also to humanize the tens of thousands of men involved in this grave conflict. The film is unflinching in its portrayal of the harsh conditions faced by these servicemen, depicting grueling jungle warfare, relentless bombardments, treacherous landscapes, and the undercurrent of primal fear that pervades every frame.

The film also finds room to document the moments of resilience and camaraderie amongst the soldiers, their makeshift camps becoming impromptu homes, filled with banter, strategy deliberations, and quiet introspection. The ever-looming specter of battle only amplifies these quieter moments, instilling in viewers an even greater appreciation for the sacrifices made by these soldiers.

Spearheading the film's creative direction is Anthony Veiller, an acclaimed Hollywood screenwriter and producer. His talents for interpreting complex narratives into easily digestible segments are central to making Attack! Battle of New Britain an engaging piece of filmmaking. The film carries his signature style, combining precise storytelling, impressive technical accuracy, and deeply affecting emotional undertones.

Above all, Attack! Battle of New Britain does not shy away from showing the grim realities of war. The film depicts the difficulties encountered during the campaign, the sacrifices made, and the price paid for each victory won. The graphic realities of battle penetrate every frame, creating a profound sense of respect and gratitude for the soldiers who shouldered the task.

Attack! Battle of New Britain is not a typical war film; it takes viewers on an intimate journey into one of the most significant battles of the Pacific War. With its raw depiction of the harsh realities of warfare, it stands as a captivating tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of every soldier involved in the New Britain campaign. It serves as a poignant reminder of the toils of war and the tremendous costs of freedom. Above all, the ultimate victory in the battle for New Britain is underscored not only as a military accomplishment but also a triumph of the human spirit.

This film stands in a category of its own, where the lines between documentary and dramatic feature blur. Through expert narration, wartime footage, and a genuine representation of the fierce, relentless nature of war, Attack! Battle of New Britain and its remarkable team of talents takes you directly into the trenches, making you privy to the soldier's journey. It's an earnest tribute to an era of self-sacrifice and resilience that defined a generation.