Tomorrow, When the War Began (2010)

Director: Stuart Beattie

Starring: Caitlin Stasey, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Lincoln Lewis

When their country is invaded and their families are taken, eight unlikely teenagers band together to fight.

As one critic remarked: “This is the type of film I expected to get worse. Instead, it got better.”

This is indeed the case with this Australian war drama. It starts off well, and then just gets better and better. I enjoyed the character introductions and the time they spent together, allowing us to get to know them before we start rooting for them. These introductions were funny and sincere, and the film started off as a delightful comedy.

The situation soon turns grim for the handful of teenagers when they realize their town has been seized by an unknown military force. I don’t recall them ever mentioning what the conflict was all about, but it is a fictional account and I suppose one could make up your own mind as to what the reasons were.

The film features good performances, some amazing visuals and great cinematography. As the film progressed, the action sequences got more intense and quite stunning, actually. The director never went too easy on the teenagers, and also never over-sentimental. His blend of action, humor and drama was seamless. The film also proved war has no sympathy regardless of your age.

‘Tomorrow, When the War Began’ is an amazingly well done film I enjoy every time I watch it. It also has a beautiful score. This is such an entertaining movie! The cliffhanger ending suggests a sequel, which unfortunately never materialized. Instead, it was adapted to a 6-episode TV series.

‘Tomorrow, When the War Began’ received 22 award nominations, winning 8 including Best Sound, Best Cinematographer, Best Actress, Best Script, Best Feature Film, Best Music.

Would I watch it again? Yes.