DANGER CLOSE: THE BATTLE OF LONG TAN

'DANGER CLOSE: THE BATTLE OF LONG TAN' TRAILER

There have been many portrayals of the Vietnam War, but arguably none that focus on the ANZAC soldiers as exclusively as that of 'Danger Close.' Walking in and sitting down at the back of the cinema, choc top and popcorn in hand, it didn't occur to me how significant the film I was about to watch would be - emotionally and personally.

The greatest asset to this film is the amount of research poured into it. Being account-based, it relies on real, human and honest narratives to tell its story and connect with viewers. Martin Walsh's previous documentary 'The Battle of Long Tan' and all prior knowledge allowed for extensive and detailed portrayal of all men involved. Credit is also due to the writers: Stuart Beattie, Karel Segers, Jack Brislee, Paul Sullivan and James Nicholas for their factual portrayal, that whilst creating a dynamic story, paid homage to those deserving. As such, the film goes beyond being just another historical action film - it's a dedication to the men who fought, and to take it one step further, those who knew them. This is the power of 'Danger Close'. In its intricate display, immersion takes place - for the mothers, the fathers, the friends, the grandchildren. The end of the Vietnam War was less than fifty years ago and it is likely as an audience member that this film will offer you an empathetic avenue into understanding the hardships endured.

In discussion with people afterwards, it was enlightening to see how a film could extend the imagination of people watching - with mother's remarking, "all I could think about was - what if that were my son?" More personally, as a grandchild of a Vietnam War vet myself, it was emotionally grueling to witness on screen the weight of his past. It presented a forum of understanding for what he went through and how it created the man he is now. From Stenders' Q&A afterwards, a tentative nod to previous testimonies like this one would suggest the film is serving its purpose. This film becomes more than entertaining gun sequences - it's effective in its weaponisation of empathetic values. Educational in its portrayal of history, yet purposeful in how it conducts itself respectfully with the narrative of real people. Sure, it holds creative licence in moments where it seeks to entertain, but the filmmakers would be the first to admit this.

'Danger Close' is an epic recount of the Battle of Long Tan with no Hollywood exaggerations, no excuses for narrative cuts, and no colourful tie-ins. Stenders has created a film that explores inherent Australian values, history and entertainment - whilst encapsulating friendship, and a modernised respect to the ANZACs.

To celebrate the release of 'Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan' in cinemas, we're giving you the chance to win a double pass.

To win one of five double passes thanks to Transmission, just make sure you follow both steps:

Competition opens at 5:00pm AEST on Sunday 28th July 2019 and closes at 11:59 pm AEST on Sunday 4th August 2019. Five winners will be chosen at random on Monday 5th August 2019. To successfully win, entrants must fulfil the above entry conditions before the time the competition closes. Current members/followers are eligible to enter the competition. Only one entry per person. Only one winner per household. To be a valid winner, the entrant must not have won a prize from SWITCH within the last 28 days. Each winner will receive one double pass to 'Danger Close: The Battle of Long Tan'. By entering, you agree to receive occasional emails from SWITCH in the future. If you decide to unsubscribe from these updates, any further entries will not be applicable. Only Australian residents are eligible to enter.