The hills are alive...with Australian tunnelers

Based on a true story during WWI, Beneath Hill 60 follows a secret team of Australian tunnelers who are recruited to dig under the German lines. New to the group is Captain Oliver Woodward (Brendan Cowell) who leads them to blow up an integral German defence post. The victory sees the mish-mash of engineers, soldiers and diggers, such as Norman Morris (Gyton Grantley), Frank Tiffin (Harrison Gilbertson) and Sergeant Bill Fraser (Steve Le Marquand), given a new mission: to bring down Hill 60. Together they fight to defend a labyrinthine tunnel system under the German stronghold and fill it with enough explosives to change the course of the war.

As far as Australian war films go, this is one of the best. Packed with action and plenty of drama, this is a nail-biting film that utilises the claustrophobic environment to great effect. The performances in the trenches are solid, with a who's who of Australian actors filling out the strong supporting cast. Brendan Cowell gives the performance of his career as Woodward, one that should surely win him an AFI at the very least. The film falters in the flash back scenes to Australia, where the beautiful Bella Heathcote's turn as love interest Marjorie is so awkward and uneven you cannot help but cringe.

The special-effects are impressive and realistic looking, as are the sets, costuming and larrikin sprit that underlines much of Beneath Hill 60. Like all war films it is not easy going, but there is an Aussie spark throughout which should hit home with audiences. Despite being hugely entertaining, this is an important film for all generations as it sheds light on some of our most unrecognised soldiers.

Beneath Hill 60 opens in cinemas this Thursday, April 15.