<em><strong>Archy: "We don't stop them there, they could end up here."</strong></em>
<em><strong> Camel Driver: "And they're welcome to it."
</strong></em><strong>-- GALLIPOLI, 1981</strong>

There are movies we remember, ones that stick with us because they move us so much. Many of those are war movies, because the issues at hand are so large and there is so much at stake.

Peter Weir's "Gallipoli" is one of the most memorable, particularly when you realize the 1915 battle it commemorates had nothing to do with Americans. On the other hand, the tragedy the ANZAC forces suffered there is the event that is given credit for truly creating a national identity for Australia and also for New Zealand.

In fact, April 25 -- ANZAC Day -- is considered a more important holiday in Australia than Armistice Day/Remembrance Day. Eric Bogle's wonderful song, "And the Band Played 'Waltzing Matilda,'" is incredibly poignant in describing a veteran who came home from Gallipoli maimed for life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WG48Ftsr3OI

Weir's movie focuses on only one part of the battle, the sacrifice made by ANZAC troops to protect the British landings at Suvla Bay. It has been called anti-English in its tone, but given what happened there it's difficult not to feel that way. Australian troops and New Zealanders were sacrificed so that fewer English troops would die.