“The Convert” (2023, Hulu) historical drama, based on the 2011 novel Wulf by Hamish Clayton. An international co-production between New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom, this movie aims to educate. Which is fine. Regardless of expected stereotypes, such as Maori as violent, vengeful cannibals, this effort isn't entirely bad. I wanted a deeper navigation of tribal truths but I got the message already. No whining here.
The story: In 1830, Thomas Munro, a lay minister from Britain, arrives in New Zealand on a storm-stricken ship and, during a clash between two Māori tribes, intercedes on behalf of Rangimai, a young daughter of Maianui, the chieftain (rangatira) of the one tribe. To save her from being killed by the warriors of Akatarewa, rangatira of the other tribe, Mr Munro traded his horse with Akatarewa in return for her life. Having been delivered to a British settlement called Epworth, where Thomas is to perform missionary work, he becomes Rangimai's religion tutor in Christianity.
Guy Pearce is Thomas Munro. Mr Pearce performs as is always expected of him. Credible and focused but, given with the sparse script, that's it. One-dimensional treatment.
An interesting and intriguing character is Charlotte, a white woman who has embraced tribal culture somehow. Played by Jacqueline McKenzie, alluring and mysterious. Charlotte is a fine take-off to a longer movie or TV series.
The integration of the Māori language and authentic depiction of 1830s New Zealand society is thin and scarce but still cool. Director Lee Tamahori, working on a script that he co-wrote with Shane Danielsen from a story by Michael Bennett, “The Convert” is admirable in some areas. A compelling provocation for a lazy afternoon discourse among history nerds. Check it out. 🎥👍📽
GAVE UP. “Here” (2024, Netflix). Directed by Robert Zemeckis, who co-wrote the screenplay with Eric Roth, based on the 2014 graphic novel by Richard McGuire. These guys are not newbies, of course. And it has Tom Hanks, too. Wikipedia says this movie is a drama. Who can tell? It's pretty much like turning pages of a picture encyclopedia, literally. After about 15 minutes or 20, that's it? Is this a movie at all, a moving diorama, a cinematic picture book? Next!
GAVE UP. “Inside Man” (2023, Amazon Prime) crime thriller starring Emile Hirsch who looks like Jack Black. Premise: After a meltdown, a demoted detective is given the opportunity to go undercover and take down the mob's most ruthless killer, but his life and only chance at redemption spiral out of control as he loses himself in the role. Seems like a tired plot, and a tired movie. Next!
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