Deschutes Public Library

The Counterattack (Kokoda Series

videorecording

The Counterattack (Kokoda Series

921957768

Originally produced by National Film and Sound Archive of Australia in 2008

56

From the corridors of power to the blood-stained battlefields of the Papua New Guinea highlands, Kokoda tells the story of the brutal World War II military campaign between Australia and Japan that changed the course of Australian history. While most Australians have heard of the Kokoda Track - the scene of an eight-month campaign that led to the defeat of advancing Imperial Japanese Army and proved a turning point for the Allies in World War II - few know much about the struggle that forged its treacherous reputation. No army had fought in such terrible conditions; no general believed it possible. Fought without mercy by foes with everything to lose, the ferocious battle for the Kokoda Track saw bravery and atrocity, noble and malicious intent on both sides. From day one of the Kokoda campaign, the fighting was politicised, mismanaged, mythologised and venerated. Kokoda delves behind the myths of war to tell the story from both sides of the conflict, giving an authentic and comprehensive account of the desperate confusion of war, the intricate connections between the frontline soldiers and military high command, and the political agendas that influenced the campaign and continue to percolate through contemporary Australian society. To tell the story with authenticity, the Kokoda film crew walked and filmed the length of the Kokoda Track, capturing for the first time the visceral nature of the terrain and the green hell of the Owen Stanley Mountains. In late September 1942 things looked grim for the Australians fighting in Papua New Guinea. The Japanese army had advanced to Ioribaiwa Ridge just 40 kilometres from Port Moresby. The Australian soldiers facing them on Imita Ridge believed they were the last line of defence of their homeland. If Port Moresby fell Australia could be taken out of the war. The Australian counterattack would begin from here. It became a war fought utterly without mercy as the Japanese retreated for the first time in the Pacific war. There was a savagery now that infected the minds of both armies, the only hope was to kill them before they killed you. The diggers were striving to force the Japanese back along the track and into the sea ; the Japanese had been re-enforced and refused to relinquish their foothold in Papua new Guinea. Produced by Andrew Wiseman and directed by Don Featherstone, the two-hour documentary series is based on a best-selling book, Kokoda, by Paul Ham. Screen Australia and Pericles Film Productions in association with Featherstone Productions. Developed and produced in association with the ABC. Produced with the assistance of the Department of Veterans' Affairs. Developed and Produced with the assistance of Film Victoria. Based on a book "Kokoda" by Paul Ham. A Screen Australia Making History Program. Copyright - 2011 NFSA, Film Victoria and Pericles Film Productions Pty Ltd. Executive Producer: Mark Hamlyn Producer: Andrew Wiseman Director: Don Featherstone Writer: Don Featherstone, Andrew Wiseman, Uri Mizrahi. Based on the book by Paul Ham. DOP/Cinematographer: Paul Ree, Brent Crockett ACS Narrator/Presenter: William McInnes

live action