Directed by:
Toa FraserScreenplay:
Glenn StandringCinematography:
Leon NarbeyComposer:
Don McGlashanCast:
James Rolleston, Lawrence Makoare, Rena Owen, Pana Hema Taylor, Te Kohe Tuhaka, Xavier Horan, Raukura Turei, Rob Kipa-Williams, Maria Walker, Calvin TuteaoVOD (1)
Plots(1)
Hongi (James Rolleston) – a Māori chieftain's teenage son – must avenge his father's murder in order to bring peace and honour to the souls of his loved ones after his tribe is slaughtered through an act of treachery. Vastly outnumbered by a band of villains, led by Wirepa (Te Kohe Tuhaka), Hongi's only hope is to pass through the feared and forbidden Dead Lands and forge an uneasy alliance with the mysterious "Warrior" (Lawrence Makoare), a ruthless fighter who has ruled the area for years. (Transmission Films)
(more)Reviews (2)
I'm on the fence with the rating, but since I haven't seen anything of quality from a similar subgenre in a while I'm leaning towards a four. The film does have a distinctive atmosphere, beautiful locations, fine visuals, great bad guys and, most importantly, rawness, drive and decent brutality. There could have been a bit more action, but it’s still decent. 70%
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I like movies that draw from real environments, history, and culture, and use a language that isn't English and doesn't quite fit into the given setting. Maori culture is certainly fascinating, which this film also showcases. But the most intriguing aspect here is the fights, which are truly superbly filmed. And yes, they are brutal as hell.
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