The Convert

In 1830-based period-drama "The Convert" English lay-preacher Guy Pearce (strong as ever) is assigned to a remote New Zealand outpost where the Brit settlement (led by Mark Mitchinson) rents land from local Maori chief Antonio Te Maioha whose tribe is threatened by warlike rivals led by Lawrence Makoare. Aided by Scottish outcast Jacqueline McKenzie and Te Maioha's daughter Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne, Pearce attempts to break the savage cycle of violence... but can he? The screenplay from Michael Bennett, director Lee Tamahori & Shane Danielsen is interesting & engaging (if not outstanding for the genre). It's good, solid, worthy, & well-performed fare.

While this film tells of a seemingly unimportant bit of history from a global political perspective, it is infact a very interesting tale which is omitted from commonly known pop history.

The scenes are dramatic and don't pause, one picture almost seems better than the last. Every shot tells a story of culture and narrative, and every line of the script only adds more meaning to human nature.

In a lot of ways the seemingly small skirmish which is depicted in this film, can be far more dramatic than the large scale battles of the massive nation States who dominate the Globe. Each member of the warring tribes are not only friends but also lovers, family members and close nit family legacies.

As a history enthusiast, I also very much appreciated a more realistic portrayal of...history which is often, or almost always ignored by mega budget Hollywood fairy tales disguised as history. Yes there were some goofy flaws with weapons, but the flaws told a larger narrative and gave more color to viewers who might not be history buffs.

In the end this movie is at heart a play and not a documentary, but it's a story true to it's spirit.

Enjoy!

The Convert, director Lee Tamahori's latest historical epic, takes us on a journey to 1830s New Zealand, a land simmering with tribal tensions on the precipice of British colonisation. We meet Munro (Guy Pearce), a disillusioned former soldier turned lay preacher who arrives at a fledgeling British settlement. When he's caught in the crossfire between warring Maori tribes, Munro's faith and identity are put to the ultimate test.

Tamahori doesn't shy away from the complexities of this period. The film beautifully portrays Maori culture, from intricate haka dances to the spiritual significance of moko (facial tattoos). There's a refreshing lack of subtitles for some te reo Maori dialogue, forcing us to immerse ourselves in the world and appreciate the characters' communication struggles. This commitment to authenticity extends to the production design, with meticulously crafted costumes and settlements that transport us back in time.

The Convert occasionally stumbles in its attempt to balance historical accuracy with crowd-pleasing action. The fight choreography, while intense, can veer into slightly unrealistic territory at times. Likewise, the film flirts with the "white saviour" trope in the first act, although Munro thankfully develops a more nuanced relationship with the Maori characters as the story unfolds.

The performances elevate the film. Pearce delivers a solid portrayal of a man grappling with his past and purpose. But it's Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne as Rangimai, a fierce Maori warrior, who truly steals the show. Her performance is brimming with raw power and vulnerability, making Rangimai a character we can't help but root for. The supporting cast is equally strong, fleshing out the Maori community and the fledgeling British settlers.

The sweeping cinematography captures the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand's landscapes, with rolling hills and lush forests contrasting with the harsh realities of tribal warfare. The score is appropriately evocative, using traditional Maori instruments alongside a more modern orchestral sound. The editing is generally crisp, keeping the pace steady without sacrificing character development.

The Convert isn't a perfect film, but it's a compelling one. It's a visually stunning and thought-provoking exploration of cultural clash, faith, and the fight for survival. While the action sequences might not be the most grounded and the narrative occasionally flirts with clichés, the film's commitment to historical authenticity and the strength of its performances ultimately won me over. If you're looking for a historical epic that's both beautiful and thought-provoking, The Convert is definitely worth a watch. Just be prepared for a bumpy ride along the way, but one that ultimately leads to a rewarding destination.

I found this movie to be surprisingly great. The cinematography is breath-taking. The acting is exquisite. The story was very slow in one respect but not detailed enough in others. The pace was a tad slow for me, but failed to delve into character detail and the individual stories on the other hand. I believe this could have been a respectable mini-series if, for instance, the details of the young English girl and the Maori man were expanded or the relationship of Monroe (Pearce) and the woman (McKenzie) he met on the island, was drawn out in more detail. Some scenes are not for the faint-of-heart but they are tastefully done. But again I feel the need to mention the visual aspect of these beautiful islands. And speaking of details, I have to ask - knowing that Mr. Pearce is not only a great actor - but a skilled artist as well, did he do the drawings that were in the sketch book he carried? Being no stranger to performing portrait art myself, the sketches were amazing. As far as the subject matter, I had no idea of the history of New Zealand or the tribal inhabitants so I feel I learned a lot from watching The Convert, even though I read that it may not be a historically accurate as it could be. Over all, I was pleasantly surprised by this movie and already have viewed it twice to take everything in. I highly recommend it.

The Convert (2023), based on a story by New Zealand writer Hamish Clayton, is a film that's been a long time coming. Directed by Lee Tamahori, a seasoned veteran of both drama and action genres, it's a film that's been quietly simmering on the back burner since its sales rights were acquired at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival.

I'd done some reading about it a couple of years ago, and it seems the film spent those two years languishing in some production company drawer. The reason, I suspect, is the current state of movie-going audiences. Let's face it, most people (with a few exceptions) aren't flocking to theaters for two-hour (or longer) historical dramas. The box office numbers back this up. And I guess the production company didn't want to relegate this film to a straight-to-streaming/home video release either. They have a point.

Guy Pearce, one of the most talented actors working today, but one who's been plagued by a less-than-stellar career trajectory, takes the lead role. And boy, does he deliver. He's absolutely mesmerizing, bringing a Shakespearean intensity to every scene as if he were performing on the National Theatre stage. It's clear he's deeply invested in the story, perhaps due to its historical relevance to his own background.

Gin Loane, whose work I haven't seen before, delivers stunning cinematography that captures the rugged beauty of the New Zealand landscape. Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne gives it her all, and it wouldn't surprise me if she snags an award for her performance in this film. (I haven't checked, but it wouldn't be undeserved.)

The Convert is a film that deserves recognition for its acting, well-choreographed fight scenes, seamless integration of the Maori language, and authentic portrayal of 1830s New Zealand society. It's a film that transports you to another time and place, immersing you in a world of conflict, faith, and redemption.