Tomorrow, When the War Began

Tomorrow, When the War Began – Seven teenagers go camping for a couple of days but upon their return, discover that each of their homes has been abandoned. Their town has been taken over by an unknown foreign military force which has imprisoned the population and kill those that show dissent. They manage to escape capture but the teens struggle to remain hidden. Taking matters into their own hands, the stakes are high but can this small, motley crew of guerrilla warriors take on an army of trained soldiers?

Tomorrow, When the War Began (2010) – Director: Stuart Beattie

By Source, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28219737

Rating: 12

Running Length: 103 mins

Starring: Caitlin Stasey, Rachel Hurd-Wood, Lincoln Lewis

Genre: Action/Adventure

REVIEW: TOMORROW, WHEN THE WAR BEGAN

Based on the first book of a seven-part series, ‘Tomorrow, When the War Began’ follows a small group of teenagers who go to war against a large occupying military force on their home turf, the town of Wirrawee, Australia. Very little information is given about this army; it is clearly a foreign nation but other than looking Asian, the nationality is unknown. It is also unclear how much territory they have taken in a few short days, although, as the Australian army is nowhere to be seen, it could be presumed that the entire country has succumbed.

Being very similar to both versions of the American ‘Red Dawn’ movies (we review the 2012 one here), ‘Tomorrow, When the War Began’ feels very familiar but instead of annoyingly gung-ho teens, this group are far more realistic and likeable. Each of the main characters has their own relatable personality and while some of them are more passive than others, none of them fade into the background. Ellie (Caitlin Stasey) does a decent job but struggles to carry the weight needed to portray a strong, capable leader. Her tough act starts off ok but as the situation gets more dire, she becomes less and less convincing as someone who would inspire others into deadly action.

‘Tomorrow, When the War Began’ is a thoroughly enjoyable teen action flick that takes the time to establish characters and paces itself well to ensure it never drags or feels rushed proving that Australian teens are just as capable at fighting trained killers as Americans are.

CONTENT: IS ‘TOMORROW, WHEN THE WAR BEGAN’ SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN?

Two teen girls talk vaguely about one of them losing their virginity to their long-term boyfriend. The other girl teases her friend, saying ‘You’d like to have more sex!’

One of the teens uses her father’s religion to manipulate him into letting her go on the camping trip by saying that she will help the others be moralistic. However, the teens in question are in no way hedonistic so this lie is not too serious.

When camping, two of the group carry guns for hunting. A rabbit is killed off-screen and it’s meat is seen roasting on a spit, this isn’t gory.

When the teens are swimming in a lake, a boy is stopped in his tracks when he sees one of the girls take off their clothes, they have a bikini underneath.

A deadly snake is found inside one of the sleeping bags. It goes to attack one of the group but is killed by one of the boys who smashes its head with a stick.

A pet dog is found dead, flies buzz around its head.

An announcement is heard from the enemy saying ‘Do not try to escape or you will be shot’.

A man is seen from a distance getting shot in the head for being angry and stepping out of line in front of enemy soldiers.

A girl cuts her knee badly and although the bloody wound is shown onscreen, the lighting is dark and therefore little gore is actually seen.

A soldier is killed in an explosion, there is a clear shot of their burnt face however, again the lighting is dark and therefore the gore is minimal.

A character explains that other groups tried to rise up against the invaders but says ‘They all paid the price’, implying that they were all caught and killed.

The group find another character, a stoner called Chris. He regales them with a tale of seeing his neighbours being shot and killed, ‘… even baby Jessica’. He says this with some relish, although those listening to his story appear to be horrified.

A character is shot, their wound is shown but isn’t too graphic. Their situation appears bleak and their loved ones are distressed and cry.

CAN I SEE A CLIP?

VERDICT: IS ‘TOMORROW, WHEN THE WAR BEGAN’ FOR KIDS?

‘Tomorrow, When the War Began’ is an enjoyable and well paced action movie which takes the time to introduce each character while never treading too far into the annoying ‘teen angst’ trope so many of these types of movies are guilty of. We feel this movie is appropriate for kids aged 10 and over.

• Violence: 2/5 (characters are in danger throughout but the actual violence shown is minimal)
• Emotional Distress: 2/5
• Fear Factor: 2/5 (several suspenseful moments where characters could be caught or killed)
• Sexual Content: 1/5
• Bad Language: 2/5
• Dialogue: 2/5
• Other Notes: Deals with themes of guerrilla warfare, being forced to grow up quickly, determination, bravery, dealing with difficult situations and loyalty in dangerous circumstances.

Words by Laura Record