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A Fortunate Life (1985)

“The extraordinary life of an ordinary bloke”

Plot

"A Fortunate Life" is a compelling four-part miniseries, a living canvas of A. B. Facey's best-selling autobiographical novel. It paints the monumental journey of Bert Facey, from his early life of struggle to his eventual peace and contentment. As a child of merely eight, Facey was thrust into the harsh reality of life, compelled by cruel economic circumstances to undertake the gruelling life of a farm labourer from dawn to dusk. His father's demise and his mother's abandonment left him unschooled and alone. The series weaves an intricate tapestry of his experiences, encapsulating his survival against the cruel hardships of pioneering the unforgiving Australian bush and the horrors of the First World War, specifically the brutal campaign on the Gallipoli peninsula. Despite being born into a large impoverished family and rendered illiterate, Facey fought for his life from a tender age, becoming a soldier in the throes of World War I. Yet, amidst this whirlwind of adversity, a beacon of happiness illuminates his life. In 1915, he marries Evelyn, a union that flourishes for nearly sixty years. "A Fortunate Life" is not just a tale of survival; it's a testament to the indomitable spirit of a man who, against all odds, carved a path of peace and contentment from the ruins of despair. This inspirational narrative encapsulates the essence of human resilience and the power of perseverance, making it an unmissable saga of fortitude and triumph.

Where to watch A Fortunate Life?

A Fortunate Life is a drama movie featuring Bill Kerr.