The Convert - Lee Tamahori [DVD]

New Zealand in the 1830s is a Maori world, dominated by tribal wars. Seeking redemption from a dark past, lay preacher Thomas Munro (GUY PEARCE) is on board a trading vessel heading to the newly established British Settlement, Epworth. When the ship anchors for repairs, Munro finds himself caught up in a battle between Maori tribes and witnesses the slaughter of innocents at the hands of chief Akatarawa (LAWRENCE MAKOARE). Munro manages to save the life of Rangimai (TIOREORE NGATAI-MELBOURNE), the daughter of Maianui (ANTONIO TE MAIOHA), a rival chief whose land Epworth leases in a delicate arrangement. As Munro begins to experience the white townsfolk's entrenched racism and paranoia towards the Maori, he finds himself increasingly ostracised within the community he is meant to serve and realises he has been brought to this isolated British outpost merely to add the veneer of civilisation. After one of Maianui's men is murdered under mysterious circumstances, Munro and Rangimai make the difficult journey into prohibited lands ruled by Maori warlords, in the hope of repairing the injustice. A visceral cinematic experience from Maori director, Lee Tamahori (Once Were Warriors, Die Another Day), and the producers of One Life, The Outrun, The Water Diviner, and The Matrix.