Ka Whawhai Tonu

I feel very grateful to have had the cinema to myself in a late night viewing of Ka Whawhai Tonu here in Naarm. The movie was so painfully stark and felt like it upheld so much congruence in its telling of Maori resilience. It was a story of so much loss and love. I'm left sitting with lots of existential thoughts tonight, but mainly left fully moved by this film. Thank you to all the cast and crew and the wonderful director, thank you to all of the direct descendants who shared stories from their ancestors. I loved that this movie was in te reo Maori for the most part. Nothing but awe.

Nga mihi nui.

Haki, a young man with a Maori mother and an English soldier father, is not sure if he is running from something or to something. He is caught up in two wars at the same time; the 1864 battle of Orakau between the Maori and ten times as many English soldiers, and a conflict in his heart between two cultures. The upcoming fight leads Haki and his relatives on both sides of the trenches, to the dawn of a new era.

"Stop lying, or lie better."

With ethereal forest scenery, mesmerizing sounds of women singing, elaborate costumes, compelling characters, intriguing dances, depth, and intense fighting spectacles, Struggle Without End is enthralling. No one trash talks and postures like the Maori on the eve of battle. "Understand our past," said one of the Maori film producers at this North American premiere screening at the Toronto International Film Festival "and you can look at us differently."

"There is a big shift happening. We are telling our own stories."

Struggle Without End is told from a Maori perspective, which is refreshing. I enjoy supporting independent, indigenous filmmakers in part because of this fascinating and enlightening shift in perspective. Such a shift is usually not seen in mainstream films. For instance, the leadership model is different. Maori leaders, good and bad, still ask permission from their people to move in any given direction.

I was swept up in this story from the first line, it is romantic, exciting and full of action, but not going to spoil it here. The acting is superb and the music deserves recognition especially because it serves the story, not drawing attention to itself. What sticks with me though is, this is the history we weren't taught in school, this is what colonisation was like at the time before the official, sanitised version was written down. To tell this story in the Maori language in 2024 is the victory that Rewi Maniapoto hoped for. Kia kaha te ao Maori, kia kaha te Reo Maori, Ake, Ake Ake tonu e.

I am very proud to see such an important part of Aotearoa New Zealand's histories told through this beautifully shot and scored film. The character story is well told against an historic context. Excellent performances by well known Maori actors, and some amazing new talent. Set in times of colonial war and land theft, at times hard to watch as the fighting and violence in the context of trench warfare is very realistic, and at close quarters. It is wonderful seeing a film almost entirely in te reo Maori. The score by Tiki Taane adds to the cinematic quality of the film. I would love to see more films of this quality about Maori and New Zealand histories. (IMDB unfortunately does not allow macrons)

While the story is fictional, the war event (massacre of Maori for land) and the Maori leader depicted were historic. As I have walked the land, as part of the Te Araroa trail and other walks (e.g. Lake Waikaremoana), I have become increasingly aware of the historic outrages perpetrated for the sake of 'ownership through confiscation and murder' (my phrase, as far as I know).

This film really crafts a beautiful story that explore emerging and traditional aspects of Maori culture of the time in a collision and conflict with a colonizing force, and weaves in love, finding self and courage. The music throughout is stunning. Deeply moving and thought provoking, and highly recommended.