Bruce Beresford – the man behind the likes of Driving Miss Daisy, Double Jeopardy and Evelyn – is tackling Australian history.
He’ll write and direct a film based on the Battle Of Long Tan, a memorable battle of the Vietnam War in which 108 troops from Australia and New Zealand saw off 2,500 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong soldiers in the titular plantation. 18 Aussie soldiers lost their lives, while the enemy took more than 200 casualties.
"This is a film that is long overdue and will see us put one of Australia's most heroic battles on the world stage for the first time," producer Martin Walsh told The Hollywood Reporter. "All of the ingredients are there: a gripping true story, young and diverse characters filled with hope and resolve in the face of overwhelming odds, stunning visual opportunities, epic action sequences and the opportunity to showcase a high-profile ensemble cast," Beresford added. "There's this incredible mix of drama, tragedy and heroism tempered with laconic Australian humour in the heat of battle."
Beresford plans to start shooting next year in Australia.