The Last Bastion

A sober, talk-heavy docudrama that feels like eavesdropping on high-stakes wartime strategy sessions, mixing archival footage with theatrical debate.

Created by

Chris Thomson

Genres

Drama, War & politics

Starring

Michael Blakemore, John Wood, Timothy West

Tagline

1941 – A nation at war, Australia faces Japanese Invasion. This is the battle behind the scenes we didn't get to see.

Overview

The year is 1941 – As the dark cloud of World War II hovers perilously over the southern hemisphere the people of Australia brace themselves for an uncertain future when Japanese forces get ready to invade. The Last Bastion goes behind closed doors and into the minds of the big decision makers – world dignitaries Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Australia's John Curtin, and General Douglas MacArthur. The boundaries are set - transports carrying thousands of men, naval fleets and army divisions are strategically positioned – pawns on over-sized world maps, as a high-stakes game of chess develops between the allies and against the enemy. Detailing the heated political battles waged by Prime Minister John Curtin during the omnipresent threat of invasion, The Last Bastion highlights key battles and locations, incorporating real archival footage of sea, air and frontline combat to provide historical authenticity and military verisimilitude.

How it feels

Tense, earnest, dark and melancholic. Measured and needs your attention.

About

War, politics, power, survival

Content

Mild violence and language. No gore or sexual content.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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