The Heroes

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 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.

This mini TV series based on the true events of WWII, against the Japanese holding Singapore, and a Strong willed Capt. Ivan Lyons who put together a team of young Australian soldiers to go into enemy occupied waters in an old Japanese Fishing boat from Australia to Borneo, and then travel well over 60 miles in canoes carrying limpet mines and a few rations to destroy ships in Singapore Harbour.

The British & Australian High Command thought Lyons was positively mad, and on more than 1 occasion Operation Jaywick was put on hold and even nearly scrapped completely, but finally went ahead.

The story holds true to the high spirits of young lads wanting to do their part for their country, while keeping to all the fearful and nightmarish endeavours they endured to try and complete the task Lyons wanted.

This is your classical Sunday afternoon movie, 3 & ½ hours of non stop heart racing drama, to which Donald Crombie should be highly praised and acclaimed for.

I am only saddened that it has never been released on DVD, as my old Video tapes have now worn out from age and use, over time and it is no longer available anywhere on Video.

I would gladly purchase a copy of this from anyone who has it as long as it will work in the UK, or if anyone has heard of it on DVD please let me know where and how I can obtain it, this and Heroes `The Return'

I just purchased both copies from here http://www.raretvondvd.com/Australian:-film-tv2/? Page_ID=3610&refpid=2138&id=1233

£16.95 or $33 Australian including delivery to Australia

hope this helps anybody looking

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!