Cast
View AllJosh Davis
as William Kelly
Mathew Davis
as Jack Kelly
Lachlan Hume
as Paddy
Tony Bonner
as Mr. Kelly
Maureen Alford
as Kath
Peter Berzanskis
as Peter Burns
Helen Davis
as Mrs. Marjorie Kelly
Tom Farrah
as Ned Kennett
George Ivanoff
as Major Jones
Dave Kenyon
as Military Police Chaplain
Dead Kirkright
as Will Kennett
Andrew Knight
as ANZAC Prisoner
Troy Larkin
as Cec Kennett
James Mason
as Constable Jones
Tom McCathie
as Tom Kennett
Crew
Director
- Geoff Davis
Writer
- Geoff Davis
- Josh Davis
- Mat Davis
Producer
- Phillip Avalon
- John L. Bickford
- Geoff Davis
- Lav Bodnaruk
- Michael Mier
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
William Kelly's War represents a fascinating example of War cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Geoff Davis brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2014, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of William Kelly's War took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 94 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 118 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 71 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2014, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While William Kelly's War shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Man Who Came Back, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, William Kelly's War subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero and The Ottoman Lieutenant explore similar territory, William Kelly's War stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 30, 2014
- Runtime: 1h 34m
Where to Watch
