The Dunera Boys

Every now and again something comes down the line that seems just right. The Dunera Boys is a delightful combination of history, drama, comedy and pathos. The shabby treatment of the prisoners was a disgrace, their indestructible Jewish wit uplifting, and the blend of Australian and Jewish humor the work of a genius. The casting and acting is universally excellent with skillful camera work and a catchy signature tune. Ben Lewin has produced a number of similar gems but this is surely his masterpiece. Although originally a four part TV series, (and available on DVD as such), it also can be seen as an edited 150 minute movie. Catch it if you can.

I have a VHS copy of this but it is a poor transfer. The film (originally seen on TV) is well worth seeing with an interesting and at times quite moving plot and fine performances, especially by Bob Hoskins, Warren Mitchell and Joseph Spano. It is surprising that it never seems to have been repeated either on TV or in the cinema. Far worse TV films seem to be dragged up from obscurity for a DVD release and I'm amazed this one hasn't been given the same treatment and transferred to DVD, it could become a cult classic! The performances of a host of Jewish character actors portraying the 'little Vienna' created in the East End of London (and again in the Australian Outback)is both amusing and reminds us that that the Nazis may have been (so far) the most egregious and extreme race haters but they didn't (and don't) have a monopoly when it comes to incomprehension and hostility towards asylum seekers!

I am offended by a previous review giving this a 1. This is an Australian made movie focusing on the relationships between the prisoners themselves and also the Australians. The whole situation was a farce from the start and if the previous reviewer had any understanding of Australians attitudes to the British military rule during both wars they might have a different opinion.

people forget Jews were not the only victims in ww2, many people from many nationalities also lost and each has their own way to remember or forget.

The movie does address issues that previous reviewer raises and is a must watch you will laugh cry and laugh again.

This is a very well used DVD but the story of these men caught up in a very unjust situation celebrates the resilience and wonderful spirit of these refugees. It would be wonderful if this story was revisited and replayed or remade to the present day audience of Australians. Its a wonderful story of hope and hints at the wonderful talents locked in the internment camp. It was heartening to see a very down to earth interaction towards one another {captive and captor }and the thoroughly human and decent way respect for one another grew as the story progressed, The movie was a delightful surprise and makes one think what talents we may have locked away in our present day detention centres.

Apart from the terrible Bob Hoskins, the notable cast does a good job with what little they are given.

A paranoid British government expelled about 2,500 'enemy aliens' on the HMS Dunera. The second world war had just started and in July 1940, the passenger ship departed Liverpool on a horrifying two-month journey to Australia. The whole fiasco was a terrible and shameful event and this long TV movie (or two part drama, depending on when and where it was broadcast) tells the story of what happened.

The horror, filthy conditions, maltreament and sadistic torture of these victims is overlooked in favor of a more theatrical account of the journey. While the film is effective as a drama, it is entirely ineffective as a historical document.

The running time is 150 minutes. If you embrace this production as it was intended, as a drama, it's thoroughly enjoyable. If you're looking for an account of the actual journey these poor people suffered, you'll be disappointed.