Monte Cassino - 60 Years On

In early 1944 the Italian town of Cassino was the site of a devastating World War ll battle. Kiwi soldiers were part of the Allied forces attacking a German-held stronghold. Kiwi General Bernard Freyberg made the decision to bomb the town, including an iconic 1,400 year-old hilltop monastery. Both sides suffered heavy losses as the Nazis utilised the ruins to their advantage. This documentary follows Kiwi veterans CJ 'Brick' Lorimer and Stewart Black (aka Tai Paraki) as they return to confront the brutality and horror of war, as part of events marking the battle's 60th anniversary.

For me it was a disastrous battle from go to woe. How to explain the monastery? It became, not a monster, but a hypnotic attraction really. It embodied everything in evil: waiting, watching, glowering down from that sheer hill.

– NZ 19th Armoured Regiment soldier Brick Lorimer

Key Cast & Crew

Richard Curtis

Camera

Reuben Collier

Director, Producer

Jo Santamaria

Producer, Research

Rudi Robinson

Production Manager

Huia Tangira

Production Manager

Pete Peeti

Assistant Camera