The Railway Man is a beautiful film, based on a true story, illustrating the very best and the very worst that human beings are capable of.
Set during and in the years after the end of World War II, it tells the story of Eric Lomax (played by Jeremy Irvine and Colin Firth), an English Army officer and train enthusiast, who is part of a company surrendered to Japanese command, and finds himself building the Thai/Burma railway as a prisoner of war.
An intelligent and courageous man, he is nevertheless tortured and tormented, and struggles for much of his adult life to come to terms with what he’s experienced, losing himself in his beloved trains. It is not until a chance meeting on a train with Patti (Nicole Kidman), who becomes his wife, does he realise that facing his demons is the only way to set himself truly free.
Australian director Jonathan Teplitsky says it was an incredible challenge to bring such a story to life. The Railway Man was in development for nearly 15 years, with Jonathan involved as director for the last four years.
“Embracing the responsibility of doing a brilliant story like this justice and bringing it to the screen is what I love about directing,” says Jonathan. “I met Eric Lomax and became friends with him while the film was being developed and shot, and truly wanted to honour his experiences.”
“We as humans rarely ask if there is a good version of sending young men out to war, to kill eachother,” he says. “They can be led astray, and anger and hatred so often leads to violence and revenge. But what if arch enemies sit and talk?’
The impact of world wars on our psyche and our world view has been immense. So many families were torn apart, or faced living with men like Eric Lomax, who rarely spoke of their inner turmoil, but suffered enormously, as did those who loved them. Patti’s unerring devotion to helping Eric was touching and inspiring, and paved the way for him to make the decisions he did.
The Railway Man opens in cinemas this week, and offers an eye-opening perspective on war, its impact and the power of individuals really opening up to one another. For anyone who has been to war, or loved someone affected by war, it is a film to see; brave and harrowing and hopeful.
gayebelle - 10 years ago
I tried to give this movie at least 8 stars, but only one came up. 🙁
Very well acted by the main actors. Gritty, but managed to give some idea of the cruelty inflicted, and how much a man can endure. Although he survived physically, his mind was maimed, until he could face his demons.