Private Peaceful is the second of Michael Morpurgo’s First World War novels to be adapted for the screen. As in his first novel, War Horse, the beauty of Devon is juxtaposed with the violence of the battlefields, but at the centre of this moving story is the relationship between two brothers.
Charlie Peaceful (Jack O’Connell, This Is England, Harry Brown) always looks after his younger brother Tommo (George MacKay, also seen in this year’s BFF film How I Live Now), but the brothers’ bond is tested when they both fall in love with local tomboy, Molly (Alexandra Roach, BFF Opening Night film One Chance). However, the angst and confusion of adolescence is left behind when the boys head off to fight for their country, facing horrors from both the enemy and uncaring superior officers.
Director Pat O'Connor (Sweet November) has created a beautiful film that explores love, class and the many forms of courage, with sensational performances from the two leads, as well as the wonderful Maxine Peake (TV’s Shameless) and a final performance from the late, great Richard Griffiths (the Harry Potter series).
Selected sessions introduced by screenwriter and producer Simon Reade in Melbourne & Sydney. See below for session details.
Not Screening in Byron Bay