'This stunning documentary is illuminating and devastating.' — Sydney Morning Herald

'This stunning documentary is illuminating and devastating.' — 

Sydney Morning Herald

'This is a love story of heartbreaking intensity. A docu-drama drawn largely from letters exchanged during World War II by John and Josie Johnson, the screenplay traces the lives of this couple who meet, fall deeply in love and are devoted to each other and their eight children, but who are then separated by war when John joins the army and finds himself at Tobruk. The letters are their only link, often taking months to arrive. It is not only the family which is vividly recreated here, the screenplay captures time and place in the minutiae of rural and domestic life and John's experiences in the army. The letters are candid, full of feeling, humor and incidental detail, but it is Wain Fimeri's command of story-telling that draws them together to create an absorbing narrative that is passionate while never descending into mawkishness or sentimentality. It is about war and its impact: love, loss and grief experienced at a deeply personal level, as well as at the level of a community, and a country still in the process of finding an identity. It is both a celebration and a work of mourning. ' — 

The Village Roadshow Prize for Screen Writing

'A uniquely Australian tale of enduring passion, this beautifully blended part documentary, part drama, told with such gentle poignancy that it will linger with you for some time after.' — 

Advertiser

'It's a simple spare story told with extraordinary affection. At its heart is the written word, preserved and cherished.' — 

The Bulletin

'This is simply a brilliant program in terms of both its story and the way in which it is told. Recreated using archival footage and re enactments seamlessly cut together, and as a love story, it is inspirational.' — 

Courier Mail

'One of the most touching love stories you're likely to see on television, exquisitely presented through a combination of archival footage and re-created events seamlessly to create a vivid, moving portrait of an era.' — 

The Advertiser

The documentary is a form of non-fiction storytelling that aims to present factual information, insights, and perspectives on real-world subjects, events, issues, or people. Documentaries can cover a wide range of topics, including history, science, culture, social issues, nature, biographies, and more.

Dziga Vertov in Man with a Movie Camera (1929)

The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)

The romance genre features the theme of romantic relationships and emotional connections between characters. These stories focus on the development of love, desire, and intimacy between protagonists, often exploring the challenges, conflicts, and triumphs that arise in their relationships.

Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca (1942)

The war genre features armed conflicts, both historical and fictional, and the experiences of individuals and groups involved in warfare. This genre explores the physical, emotional, and moral challenges faced by soldiers, civilians, and others affected by war.

The moving true story of John and Josie Johnson who, separated by war, keep their love alive and their family together through letters.

Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)

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Andrew Blackman and Richie Young in Love Letters from a War (2003)

Love Letters from a War

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