When We Go to War

When We Go to War (2015)

EndedScripted showDrama, War

When We Go to War focuses on the impact the war has on a middle New Zealand, Pakeha family and a Maori brother and sister.

This spectacular six-hour television drama cuts between life at home, Gallipoli and Egypt. The series begins in a time of optimism and hope, on the eve of war. New Zealand has one of the highest living standards in the world, is part of the mighty British Empire and few can foresee the horrors soon to come.

As the series - and the war - progress, the changing lives of those back home are contrasted with the experiences of New Zealand soldiers in the trenches and the lives of nurses in makeshift hospitals in Egypt. The war puts an enormous strain on existing relationships - while new ones develop.

The story centres around a powerful and conflicted love story between Bea Smith, a woman ahead of her time who is nursing in Egypt alongside her lover William, a dedicated doctor. The series also explores the effect the battlefield has on Charles Smith, a lawyer turned officer, his brother Harry, the family's black sheep, and family friend Manaaki Kokiri, a preacher turned lethally effective soldier. The effects of war at home cover the grief of the bereaved, anti-German hatred, anti-conscription activism and the survival of the family's economic base, Smith's Emporium.

Network
Scheduleevery Sunday at 20:30 (60 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E06Cissy's LetterMay 24, 2015
S01E05Charles' LetterMay 17, 2015
S01E04Awa's LetterMay 10, 2015
S01E03Harry's LetterMay 3, 2015
S01E02Manaaki's LetterApr 26, 2015
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When We Go to War premiere?

When We Go to War premiered on Sunday, April 26, 2015.

Who directed When We Go to War?

When We Go to War was directed by Peter Burger, whose other credits include "Field Punishment No. 1" and "The Tattooist."

Who wrote When We Go to War?

The script for When We Go to War was written by Gavin Strawhan and Rachel Lang, who are well-known for their work on other New Zealand television shows such as "Outrageous Fortune" and "Westside."

Who starred in When We Go to War?

The cast of When We Go to War included a number of well-known New Zealand actors and actresses, such as Antonia Prebble, Matthew Sunderland, and Gareth Reeves.

What is When We Go to War about?

When We Go to War is a historical drama that focuses on the experiences of a group of New Zealand soldiers and their families during the First World War.

How many episodes of When We Go to War were there?

When We Go to War consisted of 6 episodes.

Where was When We Go to War filmed?

When We Go to War was filmed in various locations throughout New Zealand, including Auckland, Manawatu, and Canterbury.

Was When We Go to War based on a true story?

Although When We Go to War is a work of fiction, it draws heavily on the real experiences of New Zealand soldiers and their families during World War I.

Were there any notable guest stars on When We Go to War?

Yes, a number of notable New Zealand actors made guest appearances on When We Go to War, including Sara Wiseman, who is known for her roles on "A Place to Call Home" and "Rake."

What awards did When We Go to War win or get nominated for?

When We Go to War was nominated for several New Zealand Television Awards in 2016, including Best Drama Series and Best Actress (Antonia Prebble).

Cast

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Characters

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