Original subtitles

My dearest Violet, well the mail

finally arrived today and with three letters

from you, socks from mom, and a card

from Bea, I feel very spoiled indeed.

It was a beautiful day today, sunny and warm

with the lights sparkling on a sea of deepest blue.

One cannot help but feel cheered despite the circumstances.

Now that the beach at Anzac Cove is relatively

secure we swim here when we can.

It's a relief from the ghastly heat

and does wonders for the men's morale.

Christ if we could only have a moment's peace in this place.

I miss you desperately my darling, but we're all

in good spirits, and look forward

to the day when job done we can return home.

Manaaki, goodness me, I'd hardly recognized you.

Miss Bea Smith said she'd write.

Yes, yes, yes, we've been expecting you.

Come in, come in.

Manaaki!

Sorry if I startled you,

Mrs. Smith has invited me to stay.

Yes and you're in Harry's room.

I didn't realize you were already, but here you are.

Wonderful I'll just...

Look at you, a real soldier.

It is good to see you brother.

You alright in the head now?

I'm well, thank you.

It's come from Wellington with a medal,

from the Governor, Corporal Mark Smith.

Mistaken reporting no doubt.

We're more than happy for you to share our name.

James, where's your sister?

Fetch her to give me a hand.

Oh, but...

Oh nevermind, what are you wearing?

Well we have a hero to dinner,

I thought I should dress appropriately.

Well you're a very silly girl.

Won't you kindly sit down sir.

I'm sorry, I forgot I have letters, excuse me.

Your mother's right, very silly girl indeed.

She looks so thin, doesn't Bea look thin?

Well I expect it's not a picnic.

All the men in the hospital love her.

They think she's an angel.

They must be in a bad way.

Cissy!

I was joking.

Good evening everybody, sorry

I was held back with business.

Manaaki's been given the DCM,

that's the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

Yes, so I've heard.

I expect that's from killing loads of Turks.

James, we don't talk about it.

Apologies for my son's rudeness.

Have you heard?

I have my own counter at the store now and I have

my own flat, you can come and stay with me.

But he's already been made welcome here.

I won't here of it, Manaaki is our guest

and we owe him more than we can say.

You have a home here as long as you want it.

Hear, hear, to Manaaki!

Manaaki.

War makes unlikely bedfellows as

they say, today I met the correspondent for The Telegraph.

An unusual character but he does

stimulate the most lively debates.

I thought there were limits to human stupidity

but this, this article bears only

a passing resemblance of that which I wrote.

What do you expect Ellis?

It's their job to protect those at home.

From the truth?

Oh god man, do you want our loved ones

to know what it's really like?

Why not their taxes are paying for it.

You mean to tell them about the rivers of shit,

the flies, the stink of bodies bursting in the sun?

If it helps the public to know

what an appalling waste it's all been.

Granted mistakes have been made.

An almighty balls-up.

Many good men have died for this cause, many good men.

And what cause is that exactly?

The cause of opening up the straits so

the Russians can take their wheat to market?

How many good men died here knowing that?

It's about much more than that!

For example?

Duty and honor.

Such a simple and heart-warming view.

Who goes there?

New Zealanders, Auckland Rifle.

Go on sir.

Spare a drop of water sir?

We're all out.

Who's your commanding officer?

It's Captain Everett sir.

One in the arm, one in the stomach,

we're still waiting for stretcher-bearers.

What in God's name?

Well they attacked last night sir.

We weren't going to waste the last of our rations on them.

They were prisoners of war.

They were trying to escape sir.

With their hands tied behind their backs?

Yeah, determined buggers I'll give them that.

Turkish trench no more than 20 yards away.

Day and night they keep at us.

None of us have slept for days.

We've got no powder for bombs,

no tools to dig in, no timber,

we're hanging on the best we can with bugger all sir.

I'll let them know at HQ.

Yeah I won't hold my fucking breath

with all due respect sir.

Come on.

I've seen many acts of heroism on both sides

and respect the Turk as a worthy adversary,

but we have work to do and most show that

the New Zealand fighting man is the equal of anyone.

I always believed there was a plan,

some sort of higher purpose, well you

see the worst of it how do you manage?

Just one step at a time, it's all we can do.

What in God's name?

If the good General turns around

now he's not gonna be happy.

Have to hand it to Ellis, he may

be a cad but he's no coward.

Permission to speak sir.

There's a problem in that food and water

aren't getting to the men on the front line.

They're short of ammunition and other supplies sir.

Their problem's compounded by the rough terrain

but is also a matter of poor organization.

For instance, there are stacks of spades ashore

but no one will authorize their distribution.

Right, well I just thought I'd

appraise you of the situation.

What did you do?

Are you feeling alright?

Would you like a glass of water?

Yes please.

I myself would sign up if it weren't

for the responsibility of running this emporium.

This leadership here at home is a cross I must bear.

They took my photograph once for the newspaper,

when I was gonna be a carnival queen.

Then the news came about Harry.

It strange here, everything's so commonplace, ordinary.

Well what else would it be?

As though nothing's changed, I mean since I left.

But everything's changed a great deal,

profession for a start.

Well it's true Violet Penrose is working in a bank,

imagine that, and we've all had

to tighten our belts and make sacrifices.

You're still laughing at me.

It's good, it's good to laugh.

Ma'am, Detective Lang, I wonder if

I might find a Mr. Mark Smith here?

No, no, I don't, oh, do you mean Manaaki?

This man, whatever he calls himself now.

Is he here?

It's taken some work to find you Mr. Kokiri.

Why'd you change your name?

I wanted to enlist with my friend.

I was worried they'd put me in

the native contingent otherwise.

What's his name?

Harry, Harry Smith.

And where can I find him?

My son's dead detective.

My condolences ma'am.

Do let me know if you need anything.

Thank you.

Your sister was staying at the Windsor Castle Hotel

in August of last year, a porter recognized your photograph

in the newspaper and he remembered that we wanted to talk

to you concerning a death that occurred at the hotel,

Italian chap by the name of Mr. Alonso Meredi.

Did you know Mr. Meredi?

I met him.

Your sister, Ms. Awa Kokiri,

she didn't say anything to you?

Not that I remember, I might have signed up by then.

Your sister claims that she returned to the hotel

after visiting you only to find Mr. Meredi already dead.

Perhaps he interrupted a burglary.

The same porter also remembers that you

and Mr. Meredi had words, heated words.

A lot's happened since then.

Your sister was living in an immoral situation.

That must have made you angry, understandably.

For all I know he might have been

the biggest bastard to walk the earth,

he might have deserved that bash to the head.

And whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap.

Do you wanna talk about it son?

There's nothing to say.

Oh Manaaki, what are you doing here?

This isn't the best time.

Evening, well everything seems to be in order.

Thank you for meeting me at such

short notice to expedite this matter.

My pleasure sir.

Well I'll see you at the shop in the morning no doubt.

No doubt at all.

Nice article in paper by the way old chap, very patriotic.

What are you doing with him?

Business.

He's a married man.

I know he's a married man.

His family has been so good to me.

We'll be disgraced.

No one needs to know.

After everything, you'd still be a jezebel?

You think I haven't had to do

worse to put food in our mouths.

I'm looking after things, so that we can

have money, so that we can get a place together.

A detective came today asking questions.

About what?

The last man who was helping you.

The detective thinks I'm a murderer.

What did you say to him?

He's right I am.

No, it was an accident, Manaaki?

I've killed many men.

You mean Turks, they gave you a medal.

They were all men just the same.

No brother, you listen to me brother, listen to me.

Look Manaaki, they have no proof, no proof.

Now we need to stick to our story and stay strong

or they'll hang us, is that what you want?

I can't lose you brother, you just got home.

What is home?

I spoke directly to the OC about

the situation regarding supplies.

He seemed quite receptive.

I mean he was ass naked at the time.

You think they don't know?

I think chain of command makes

it quite difficult sometimes but...

We can't afford a war on two fronts.

The Western front naturally being close to home

will get the lion's share and bad luck Gallipoli.

Oh shut up Ellis.

Well that's a reasoned and thoughtful argument.

Do try the pate, it's very good.

It comes down to this, either you believe Germany

is a threat to the Empire and that we must fight

to protect all that is dear to us or you don't.

I used to believe that but

in the face of overwhelming evidence...

Sir Ellis Ashmeade Bartlett.

The same.

Please come us.

I'm in the middle of dinner.

What the dickens get your hands...

Now look here what's going on?

We're arresting him on suspicion of being a German spy.

That's ludicrous.

General's orders sir, let's go.

Have some water old chap.

I've sent a note to Command advising them of their error.

And what, did they reply?

I'll keep trying.

Excuse me sir.

Are you releasing him?

No sir.

Prisoner attention!

What are you doing, unhand me.

You've been charged and found guilty of being

a German spy and have been sentenced to immediate execution.

What?

No.

Well this is insane. Let go of me unhand me!

You can't be serious, this man

is a war correspondent for The Telegraph.

I can vouch for him!

We have our orders sir.

This is ludicrous you are making a mistake, he's innocent!

Step aside!

Corporal you're making...

Step aside Lieutenant.

You are are making...

We have orders.

Please reconsider this, please, you're making

a mistake, this man is innocent!

Corporal...

On your feet prisoner.

Corporal you are making a mistake here.

Step aside.

You will regret this!

On your feet prisoner.

Take aim.

Ready.

Fire.

Next time be careful who you point

your bloody camera at Bartlett.

You're okay, you're alright.

Those bastards, those asshole bastards.

You're alright.

I do love to go to work everyday.

I find it so satisfying.

I'd much rather marry and never work again.

Well I'm sure Arthur is keen.

Mrs. Arthur Buttle, I don't think so.

Shall we go to the gardens for tea.

I should be getting home, we have Manaaki staying.

Who?

Charles' and Bea's friend.

Oh, the Maori.

He has a medal from the Governor and the nicest smile.

Well you don't, do you?

What?

You're blushing, you do.

Look at you Miss Cissy Smith, you're smitten with him.

I am not, although he is very handsome in his uniform.

But he's not one of us.

Manaaki, Manaaki, mate, out of

the frying pan into the fire I'd say.

Woops.

Manaaki.

Come in.

James said you were feeling poorly.

I get headaches sometimes.

Has this headache got anything to do

with the policeman who was here.

If you're in any kind of trouble perhaps I can help.

Look you've done more than enough already.

I'll find somewhere else to live as soon as I can.

Nonsense, I won't hear of it,

as I said, we're happy to have you.

Well I'll leave you to your thoughts.

I don't want to stir up any bad memories,

you know least said soon is mended,

but if I could just know, you see well he's on my mind,

I mean, and If could ask, did he suffer at the end?

He didn't suffer at all.

Well that's good that's very good to know.

Thank you.

Oh you poor boy, poor boy.

I'm sorry.

It's alright.

I'm sorry.

It's alright dear.

We must take special care of Manaaki,

he's a brave young man but I know he's suffering.

I could take him out, to the gardens,

I'm sure the fresh air would do him good,

and a picnic if you could talk

to Richard about giving me the day off.

Well, I suppose I could.

Some of us are going to the pictures this weekend,

Hearts Adrift with Mary Pickford,

it's supposed to be terribly romantic.

Oh romantic, is that good?

That's the best kind of picture.

Your sister was in one wasn't she?

I'd love to be a film star I think

it's the most exciting thing.

I'm sorry have I said something wrong?

No.

Everyone tells me I babble on and talk pots

of rubbish when there's a war going on

and we should all be more serious.

War, that's the last thing I wanna talk about.

Really?

Really, please, babble on.

Now you're just teasing me again.

I know Bea's the smart one with her books and her education.

That's true what's so funny?

You are.

Me, why am I funny this time?

You're not like Bea she's very

serious and you make me laugh.

Well I like to see you laugh you have a lovely smile.

So do you.

Are you hungry?

Starving.

We should find a nice spot for our picnic.

Well come on.

I did not eat both the egg sandwiches.

Don't be so saucy.

I have a dilemma Mr. Kokiri.

I've checked your record and there's no doubt

that you're a war hero, decorated,

a man of integrity, but I have

an unsolved murder on my hands.

You're a sharp shooter that's right isn't it?

Yes.

How many Turks did you get, 10, 20, more?

Nobody else wants to know.

They want everything to be tea and biscuits.

I want to know believe me.

More, I was good at it.

Did you keep a tally?

Answer the question.

I would find a position, hide,

and wait for the enemy to show themselves.

Some days it was a few, some days more.

There was one day I killed nobody at all,

but when I reached 100 I stopped counting.

Would you do it again?

I'm a killer, I killed people.

May they rot in hell each and every one of them.

My boy Jimmy, he was at the landing at Gallipoli.

They blew him to pieces.

There wasn't even anything left to bury.

He left a widow and two little ones,

the baby will never even know his father.

So I hope and I pray that everyone of those bastard Turks

you shot, I hope they died slow and painful.

So I'll ask you again, if you had

the chance would you do it again?

As far as I'm concerned Mr. Meredi died

at the hands of burglars unknown.

This case is no longer open.

Good day to you Mr. Kokiri.

Good luck with whatever you do next.

Manaaki are you coming to church?

Your friends already gone I said we'd catch them up.

I don't think I should.

Are you unwell?

I just don't think I'll be welcome in God's house.

No one will mind if we're a bit late.

Are you sad?

Go to church.

If you're not going then neither am I.

Maybe you're not so different from your sister.

You're both stubborn as old donkeys.

Well I'm an old donkey am I, well that's nice.

Not a donkey, a pretty mare.

Do you think I want to be called a horse?

Every man needs a good horse.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

But I want to, I want to make you happy.

I've never done this before.

Neither have I.

But I assumed, Heather?

Well then it will be special for both of us if you like.

Thank you private, that's all.

Yes sir.

Everything alright?

Our platoon has been assigned to ambo duty.

Right.

And that's not a good thing?

Well it's one thing to have a gun in one's hand

and a sporting chance but we may as well

have a target painted on our backs.

I'm sorry old chap, this obviously

comes of defending me and I won't forget it.

Actually I don't think that's it at all.

I'll let you gentleman in on a secret.

I'm writing a letter, a very dangerous letter.

My God, you're going to have

the War Office quivering in their boots.

Oh William, William you're just in time

for the startling news, Ellis is writing a letter.

Yes, yes, but if you knew the content and who it's for.

Alright then, tell us.

Very well but this goes no further.

I'm writing a confidential letter to our Prime Minister

who I'm convinced has no real idea of the insanity

occurring here, names will be named, heads will roll,

that imbecile Churchill's already

in the dog box, Hamilton will be next.

You'll never get it past the censors.

I will find a way.

And they won't care.

I tried pointing out the truth

and as a result my men are being punished.

I've put my men at danger with my reckless...

It won't make a blind bit of difference either.

I've just come from a briefing,

there's to be a new offensive.

What?

A push to take the high ground.

We've just been told to expect extensive casualties.

How can they even consider it?

Now you'll have plenty to do for the glory of the Empire.

Shut up Ellis!

At least I'm trying to do something

about this mess, stand down.

Damn you I said shut up, shut up!

Or I will shoot you myself.

It's alright Charles.

We understand how you feel.

Sit back down, come on.

Yes well, I'll leave you chaps to mull things over.

We're in no position, we can't attack now.

It makes no sense, none at all.

Nearly finished?

I woke in a panic last night

couldn't remember the color of Mary's eyes.

Hazel or green, yeah you'd think a chap

could remember the color of his wife's eyes.

I'll rouse the batman to fetch us some tea.

Help there's a man in there!

Who is it sir?

It is in the everyday

moments that I miss home the most,

a cup of tea or at dinnertime with the family,

then I remember where I am and I curse

the Kaiser for taking me from you.

And another.

But Sarge.

A bit of rum will help take the edge off.

But I don't drink Sarge I took the pledge for me mum.

It's an order, all of it, and again.

Bloody stupid if you ask me.

We'll be target practice for the Turks.

It's either this or get shot

down in the dark by our own side.

Alright men, gather around.

Our orders are to wait until the mounted rifles

and the Maoris have cleared the way

for the assault on Chunuk Bair,

then to follow and assist with the wounded

and get them back down here before daylight.

Any questions?

Walk in the park.

Thank you Sargent Graves.

Infantry Brigade, move out.

Yes sir.

Alright men, let's get into positions.

There you go son, best you sit this one out.

Tommy get this man down there and Graves take care

of this man behind me, assess the situation.

The worst's past we'll get you down there.

Graves, Graves I need light.

Okay we need a stretcher, grab me a stretcher right away.

Keep moving men.

Leave him, leave him, leave him, we can't take more.

Manaaki, hi.

What are you doing?

I told James to say I wasn't feeling very well.

You shouldn't be here.

Mum's doing her knitting and Dad's in the study.

Do you want me to go?

Yes.

But I don't care if someone find us

and I decided something, I don't want to be

with Arthur or anybody else, I want to be with you.

And I'm not ashamed because...

Look you shouldn't do that.

What?

Plan to be with me.

But don't you want to?

Aren't you fond of me?

I don't belong here with normal people,

people who don't know what it's like,

who shouldn't, who shouldn't be corrupted by me.

I don't understand.

For all of they that take the sword

shall perish by the sword.

I'm requesting a transfer back to the war as soon as I can.

Well, thank you for telling me.

You are a useless bastard, say it.

Ah, bollocks to you.

Kitchener's useless, bloody army.

We had it, Chunuk Bair, we held it

and you bastard, cowardly English turned and ran.

What are you talking about?

You're as British as I am.

Bullshit I'm a New Zealander.

Alright man let him go, hej let him go!

We had it, we bloody had it.

My darling Violet, you will know doubt hear

of fresh acts of outstanding valor and bravery

following our latest attempt to drive the Turk

from his stronghold in the hills and like much

that has come before, it will mostly be lies.

It's true that we did take Chunuk Bair but with

enormous and ultimately futile loss of life

to end up exactly where we were before.

I have a letter I'd like delivered to my fiancee

and it contains material I'd rather not the censor see.

Like that is it?

Leave it with me sir.

I have tried to protect you

from the truth but I now think that the public

of New Zealand has a right to know

what is really going on here.

I have a letter for Miss Violet Penrose.

My dearest Violet,

you'll find enclosed an open letter to the public

of New Zealand outlining the true nature

of the miserable failure that is the Gallipoli Campaign.

A campaign that has seen our youngest and finest

slaughtered through stupidity and incompetence,

but if we were able to evacuate Gallipoli before the winter

sets in, at least some lives will be saved.

I am not naive enough to think that many

of those in power will take heed.

Some will already be aware of the situation

but have done nothing for their own reasons,

but there may be some who do take note

and that may be the beginning.

Sign the petition, no conscription, sign the petition.

What else can I do, I want to help.

I ask you my love

to make copies and send to as many

newspapers and politicians as possible.

I know that this is a great deal to ask but I will

take full responsibility in the event of my surviving

and if I am no longer to be numbered amongst the living

then at least some good may still come of it.

What am I to do?

I love Charles dearly.

These views are seditious.

As his fiancee I should do what he asks of me.

Your loyalty is admirable my dear

but it is a matter of the greater good.

There is only one course of action.

I know, war has changed him.

The old Charles would never have asked me to do this.

You know my dear

that I esteem and miss you despite this darkness.

I remain forever, your loving, Charles.