The war crimes trial and other events portrayed in this film are based on the recollections of Captain John Williams, the Australian prosecutor during the war crimes trails on Ambon and on official records. The trial was a significant one for Australia, convened due to the fact that three-quarters of the Australians captured on Ambon died before the war's end. Most of the Japanese characters are based on real Japanese soldiers. Ninety-three Japanese soldiers were tried and four were executed for their mistreatment of soldiers and civilian prisoners. (Note: John Williams is the father of the film's writer/ producer, Brian A. Williams.)
The composition of the execution shot is based on a photo of the execution of an Australian soldier, Sergeant Leonard Siffleet. The photo was found in the possessions of a dead Japanese soldier. The original was published in LIFE magazine and can be seen on the Australian War memorial website (collections ID number 101099).
Debut theatrical feature film of actress Deborah Kara Unger who played Sister Littell and was billed as Deborah Unger.
Several of the Australian soldiers are showing carrying an Owen Gun. This is an Australian-designed and manufactured sub-machine gun (or Machine Carbine) used by Australian troops in the Second World War. It was noted for its reliability in extremes of sand and mud.