An oppressive mood hangs over the small island of Ambon, Indonesia, where hundreds of Australian prisoners of war have been massacred by their Japanese guards. World War II is nearly over and two officers, Captain Cooper (Bryan Brown) and Lieutenant Corbett (Russell Crowe), must prosecute those Japanese officers responsible. The stories of sadistic torture and systematic executions in the ensuing trials sent shockwaves throughout the world. But, in an explosive showdown between Australian justice, American politics, and the Japanese warrior code, Bushido, will justice be found?