The Heroes

I had a devil of a time over several years getting my hands on this movie, (and it's sequel, The Heroes II The Return). I finally had success bidding through the British e-bay site, and was able to have them transfered to DVD from the PAL videotapes in which they were released (this seemed okay since I own legal PAL copies and the movies are unavailable to buy in US format).

These two very long and well-made features seem ripe for a re-release on DVD for history buffs and anyone appreciating well made action movies. They are (in my estimation) the Australian equivalent to the US mini-series Band of Brothers. I also obtained a copy of the book on which the films were based, which is a worthwhile read.

I watched this on TV years ago and have been searching without success to find a copy ever since. It involves a ragtag group of servicemen sneaking undercover, via a rickety old boat, into Japanese controlled waters to stage night raids by canoe. The movie moves at an appropriate pace and includes just enough humor and family relationships to provide some relief to the increasing intensity of the suspenseful action. The plot is inventive and the casting excellent.

I have finally gotten a copy of this really fine movie. In conversations and correspondence with its producer I have learned that not only is it a superb movie, it's true! Most historical details for the movie came from a book about the event and the Japanese fishing vessel which was used in the real life raids is currently moored in the Sydney harbor where it is considered a national treasure. In the movie, a pontoon boat powered by two outboard motors was used. A sequel entitled "Heroes: the Return" was produced two years later, in 1990, and is even more carefully researched for historical accuracy. Much to my delight, the copies which I have of both the movie and its sequel are of their original mini-series lengths. The movie as shown on US television was a shortened version. Efforts are ongoing to find a way to release the movies on cassette in the United States although the producer doesn't expect any success for the venture. That will be unfortunate since "The Heroes" is such fine cinema and provides a glimpse into the sacrifices and intrigues of the war in the Pacific. It also helps us appreciate the contributions of the Australians.

I watch this today and just cannot get over the quality and intelligence of the production. Everything has been placed so perfectly and the soundtrack is brilliantly coordinated, empowering a fantastic script. There is something that happens when a true story of unbelievable bravery is retold. The cast, production team and scriptwriters were on fire for every minute of this lost gem. I won't bother mentioning any of the facts or the story as you deserve to see it for the first time just like I did. But when you do see it, I promise you will not feel one minute of your time was wasted. Bon voyage!

Just to let future readers know, both this movie and the sequel are available on Amazon's UK site. At time of posting (August 2010 it is available new for £34.99 and used from £16.99 which is not too bad). I looked all over the place with no luck, and then I tried Amazon not expecting a result and was pleasantly surprised. Get in there quick and buy this brilliant set. The film is a brilliantly produced film, fairly close to the book and in my opinion just as good, which is a rare thing to be honest. Seeing Jason Donovan as I remember him when I was 14 was a bit of a blast from the past and a good excuse to sit down and reflect on times gone by. I can not understand why this film has not been made available on DVD or even as a download somewhere because I am sure that it would certainly sell.