The Man Who Lost His Head

My review of "The Man Who Lost His Head" is no doubt heavily influenced by the time I've spent in New Zealand. Although I was only there about a month total, I great to love the country, the Maori culture and the people. So, for me, this movie is a natural...for me it's an 8 or 9. But, for the average person who's never been to the country, it's still an enjoyable film despite often being formulaic and predictable.

Martin Clunes stars as Ian Bennett, a man from the British Imperial Museum* who has been sent to New Zealand to investigate whether or not to repatriate a Maori carving which some think really does belong back with its people. And, since the carving is from a Maori chief who came from a rural area outside Auckland, he goes to this part of the country and ends up living with the Maori locals. Much of what happens next is predictable (particularly the romance) but there are still some nice surprises and a nice glimpse into Maori culture. All in all, a nice slice of life movie which can be appreciated by anyone...but particularly by anyone who has seen the Maori and their land.



*The British Imperial Museum is a fictitious organization...obviously based on the British Museum. In recent years, this great museum has been under a lot of pressure to return items they essentially looted from other lands...the most famous of which are the Elgin Marbles, taken to the Uk for 'safe keeping' and never returned to Athens from where they originated.

Having moved to New Zealand from the UK a couple of decades ago, it was interesting to see what a joint production between the two countries would turn out like. I had heard great things of this and when it was repeated, I taped it to watch later. Having now settled back and enjoyed it I can recommend it whole-heartedly to people who like a good story, a happy ending and maybe just learn a little in the process. True, there were stereotypes, yes maybe it was corny and Martin Clunes is highly visibly with his doctor in Cornwall series, but it was good fun, it did show the world a little bit of NZ, and it was a very enjoyable way to pass a couple of hours. Let's be sensible about this - there's not much on TV now that's worth watching but this is. Loved the scenery, loved the people and loved the story. Good quality stuff doesn't have to be heavy and unpleasant. This is entertainment, not about saving the world and it could have been a lot, lot worse. I don't think it could have been much better.

A: No.

Martin Clunes stars in a tale of culture clash when a sophisticated urban professional meets the provincial locals. Now why does that sound familiar?

A mostly benign and enjoyable, albeit unremarkable story with a few sloppy plot holes*. The local characters of Otakataka are fun. The biggest let down of the film is perhaps Clunes, whose character Ian simply lacks character. He's just kind of there, in the way that a body occupies space but really nothing more.

* No real reason given why Ian is dissatisfied with fiancee, making him look quite shallow and callous. Leaving the price sticker on the statue in the museum was unnecessary, we the audience know what happened. Now the museum staff also knows and will soon be making a trip to NZ to prosecute Ian and recover the statue.

Enjoyed this movie. Love Martin Clunes and he did not disappoint.

It was the fact that Doc Martin (Martin Clunes) was in this movie that made us want to see it. He is such a quirky, delightful character actor. Interesting seeing him not so stuffy & dressed up! Not an academy award movie, but well worth watching as the cinematography is beautiful and it's such a feel good movie which you don't see much of these days.