Field Punishment No.1
In 1916, the New Zealand Government secretly shipped 14 of the country's most outspoken conscientious objectors to the Western Front in an attempt to convert, silence, or quite possibly kill them. This is their story.
Insights
Plot Summary
The film tells the true story of a group of conscientious objectors in New Zealand during World War I who were sent to the Western Front and subjected to harsh treatment. They faced severe punishment and were ultimately court-martialed for their refusal to fight.
Critical Reception
Field Punishment No.1 received mixed to positive reviews, with critics often praising its historical significance and powerful portrayal of the conscientious objectors' plight. Some noted that the dramatic execution could have been more refined, but the film was generally seen as an important and moving piece of New Zealand cinema.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its significant historical subject matter.
- Appreciated for its depiction of the hardships faced by conscientious objectors.
- Some found the pacing and dramatic intensity uneven.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film was based on the real-life experiences of New Zealand conscientious objectors during World War I, a lesser-known but significant aspect of the country's war history.
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