IMDb 7.7 2015 HD

Death or Liberty

Death or Liberty

2015
Documentary
77 min NR USA
7.7 IMDB

Between 1793 and 1867 the British Government banished its radicals, dissenters and rebels to harsh prison colonies at the very edge of the known world, Australia. Some escaped…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Keith Farrell
Starring
Bennett Andrew / Owen McDonnell / Seán T. Ó Meallaigh / Llion Williams / Russell Fletcher / Steven Jones

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

harrowing resilient powerful historical dramatic authentic emotional stirring reflective dark engaging thought-provoking

Reviews

P
Penelope Croft
Apr 20, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

Venturing into the grim realities of Australia's early days as a penal colony, 'Death or Liberty' presents a collection of personal narratives from those sent there for dissent. The film highlights the duality of these lives, marked by…

C
Caleb Stone
Apr 20, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

This is a powerful and unflinching look at a significant, often overlooked, period of Australian history. 'Death or Liberty' masterfully uses the voices of the banished to paint a vivid, often visceral, picture of life on the edge…

B
Beatrice Holloway
Apr 20, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

A potent reminder of Australia's penal colony origins, 'Death or Liberty' offers a narrative tapestry woven from the lives of political exiles. The film attempts to capture the full spectrum of their experiences, from acts of profound bravery…

A
Arthur Finch
Apr 20, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

'Death or Liberty' is a compelling, if at times harrowing, journey into the lives of those transported to Australia for their beliefs. The film's strength lies in its commitment to presenting these stories with a sense of immediacy,…

E
Eleanor Vance
Apr 20, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

This historical exploration plunges viewers into a little-discussed facet of Australia's colonial past. The film, which appears to draw heavily on the personal testimonies of banished rebels, navigates a spectrum of human emotion. Performances from the ensemble cast,…

FAQs

The tone of 'Death or Liberty' is multifaceted, reflecting the complex experiences of its subjects. It is described as encompassing stirring and heroic elements, alongside deeply heart-wrenching narratives. The film also incorporates darker, even creepy, aspects of the penal colonies and the lives within them. Furthermore, the inclusion of humour suggests a nuanced approach, preventing the film from becoming solely a grim account and allowing for moments of unexpected levity amidst the hardship.