The Heroes (1988)
Based on a true story, The Heroes follows one of the most extraordinary and heroic exploits of World War II. After months of rigorous training in the north of Australia, a team of 14 men, most barely out of their teens, set sail from Cairns on board a leaky old fishing boat called 'The Krait'. Their mission, code-named Operation Jaywick, became a tense voyage through thousands of kilometres of Japanese held territory to launch a daring attack on Singapore Harbour. The raid is a success but within sight of safety they encounter a Japanese destroyer, and all prepare to die rather than be taken prisoner.
Watch Trailer
Cast
Reviews
Too much of everything
Surprisingly incoherent and boring
Overrated and overhyped
It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.
I just purchased both copies from here http://www.raretvondvd.com/Australian:-film-tv2/? Page_ID=3610&refpid=2138&id=1233£16.95 or $33 Australian including delivery to Australiahope this helps anybody looking
Just to let future readers know, both this movie and the sequel are available on Amazon's UK site. At time of posting (August 2010 it is available new for £34.99 and used from £16.99 which is not too bad). I looked all over the place with no luck, and then I tried Amazon not expecting a result and was pleasantly surprised. Get in there quick and buy this brilliant set. The film is a brilliantly produced film, fairly close to the book and in my opinion just as good, which is a rare thing to be honest. Seeing Jason Donovan as I remember him when I was 14 was a bit of a blast from the past and a good excuse to sit down and reflect on times gone by. I can not understand why this film has not been made available on DVD or even as a download somewhere because I am sure that it would certainly sell.
I had a devil of a time over several years getting my hands on this movie, (and it's sequel, The Heroes II The Return). I finally had success bidding through the British e-bay site, and was able to have them transfered to DVD from the PAL videotapes in which they were released (this seemed okay since I own legal PAL copies and the movies are unavailable to buy in US format).These two very long and well-made features seem ripe for a re-release on DVD for history buffs and anyone appreciating well made action movies. They are (in my estimation) the Australian equivalent to the US mini-series Band of Brothers. I also obtained a copy of the book on which the films were based, which is a worthwhile read.
This mini TV series based on the true events of WWII, against the Japanese holding Singapore, and a Strong willed Capt. Ivan Lyons who put together a team of young Australian soldiers to go into enemy occupied waters in an old Japanese Fishing boat from Australia to Borneo, and then travel well over 60 miles in canoes carrying limpet mines and a few rations to destroy ships in Singapore Harbour.The British & Australian High Command thought Lyons was positively mad, and on more than 1 occasion Operation Jaywick was put on hold and even nearly scrapped completely, but finally went ahead.The story holds true to the high spirits of young lads wanting to do their part for their country, while keeping to all the fearful and nightmarish endeavours they endured to try and complete the task Lyons wanted.This is your classical Sunday afternoon movie, 3 & ½ hours of non stop heart racing drama, to which Donald Crombie should be highly praised and acclaimed for.I am only saddened that it has never been released on DVD, as my old Video tapes have now worn out from age and use, over time and it is no longer available anywhere on Video.I would gladly purchase a copy of this from anyone who has it as long as it will work in the UK, or if anyone has heard of it on DVD please let me know where and how I can obtain it, this and Heroes `The Return'