Monday August 19
10am, 6:30pm
Director Lee Tamahori
Drama Action
New Zealand
119 minutes
Guy Pearce stars as a British preacher (Thomas Monro) caught up in 1830s Maori wars in this sweeping historical drama. When he arrives in the tiny coastal settlement of Epworth in 1830, he finds discontent, suspicion and friction. After saving the life of a chief’s daughter, Monro is thrust into political intrigue during the devastating musket Wars between Maori tribes.
Tamahori paints a meticulously detailed portrait of Maori communities and culture in the early days of colonialism, whilst expertly weaving in Munro’s trouble past which intrudes on the increasingly bloody conflict surrounding him.
The movie takes on a bittersweet note, bringing history to life in all its messy complexity – and the everyday players who shape it. – Monica Castillo, RogerEbert.com
