Muru

If you're in Aotearoa New Zealand, this can not fail to resonate, dealing as it does with events of living memory, the.police shooting of Steven Wallace in 2000, and the police raid on Ruaatoki in 2007, with echoes of the police raids on Maungapoohatu in 1916 and Parihaka in 1881. Unsurprisingly there is a police disclaimer at the beginning. There is no mention of the police apology for 2007 or reparations for 1881 and 1916 at the end.

But it is a fictionalisation, not a documentary reenactment. As such, it is compelling, and a classic noo-Aotearoa drama, up there with "Sleeping Dogs" and "Utu". Not so much "Once Were Warriors", it is largely in te reo Maaori (but with English subtitles) and firmly on the Maaori side. The Paakehaa (non-Maaori) case is not strongly made, and one in particular seems almost insane, but it is clear why they were suspicious. Their implausibly effective technology fails at dramatically convenient moments, so they miss the innocent explanations.

The story is told sequentially but jumping among several different locations. Cliff Curtis carries the drama as the community police officer torn among loyalties, police, community and family, while suspected of being a turncoat by both sides. Tame Iti as himself is more of a minor character, with occasional moments of Billy T James-esque comedy and one improbably dramatic moment.

An important element is the innocent bystanders (in fact all were innocent), the children and koroua (elders) caught up in the drama. It is they who tear your heartstrings at the end.

The film has uniquely sought and largely found the essence of Ngaai Tuuhoe, an iwi (tribe) that has done more than most to retain its language and traditions.

"Muru" traditionally means intra-familial ritual plunder as punishment for a misdeed. In modern usage it means forgiveness/absolution as in "Murua aa maatou hara" (forgive us our sins). It's not clear which it means here.

{I have used double vowels because this site wouldn't accept macrons. They are just lengthened, not broken up.)

Decent portrayal but far from reality, they should have used real footage from TV and Police footage, instead it was a non provable portrayal that could have been more reliably sustained had it not been for the fact that even from the beginning a disclosure was made concerning the inaccuracies of the project.....at the end of the day it would have to be a good example of why when intelligence services get a tip off about even a light hearted comment about killing the Prime minister combined with footage of armed citizens training in a forest it's likely to get a response....and it might even be one thats not welcome.

It's one of the best movies I've ever seen.

Great acting by everyone. The performances by Cliff Curtis and Jay Ryan are so intense, growing as the film progresses. Truly outstanding.

And above all, the film has a big message for all of us, wherever we come from. It stays inside you, moves you and makes you think. It really is, as it was written, a film full of soul and heart.

I think it's a must see, even if you're not from New Zealand and if you're not a huge fan of Jay Ryan, like me.

A big applause to everyone who contributed to its making and its success, to the director, to all the cast and crew and to all the local people.

I hope with all my heart that it will be chosen for the Oscars!

9/10

I am a biased viewer regarding this film. Simply because it involves my extended family and scenes that depict the Tuhoe people and their way of life. A reminder of the many times spent with my Father and family down home. Memories I will treasure forever.

In terms of content. I am only aware of the events from hearing about them growing up. So cannot comment on the actual events themselves. But I do realise that the dramatisation was needed for effect and makes for an almost Hollywood-esque type viewing. Definitely action packed once the ball gets rolling.

For those of you on the outside looking in. I feel you will come to love the characters as they are true personalities in real life alongside some Tuhoe action!

Whanaunatanga! Kia pai te pikitia!

Everyone else! I hope you enjoy this small glimpse into the life and a small history of Tuhoe!

I struggle to watch this... Even when my brother started the movie, I found myself taking the dogs out for a ride to the dog parks.

NO QUESTION!, I'm sure the movie will be good. YET THIS EVENT, YHIS "HAPPENING"... WAS REAL!!!. To find it turned into a movie "based on actual events" is hard to swallow & accept.

This is a kiwi-story with VERY REAL CONSEQUENCES!!!... Surprisingly hard to believe that ACTUAL ACTIVISTS & local based on event, actually acted in the movie!.

I just finished watching the documentary "The Price of Peace" (2015, 83mins) in which TAME ITI is interviewed, followed & filmed during events in REAL court moments... THIS gives insight & understanding in such matters.

So NO, I don't favor this movie. Even with the masterful actors & performances. Because I KNOW MORE about the truth & subject to this story... Enjoy.