The Dead Lands
Story
Hongi (James Rolleston) – a Maori chieftain’s teenage son – must avenge his father’s murder in order to bring peace and honour to the souls of his loved ones after his tribe is slaughtered through an act of treachery. Vastly outnumbered by a band of villains led by Wirepa (Te Kohe Tuhaka), Hongi’s only hope is to pass through the feared and forbidden Dead Lands and forge an uneasy alliance with the mysterious “Warrior” (Lawrence Makoare), a ruthless fighter who has ruled the area for years.
Credits
Director
Toa Fraser
Producers
Matthew Metcalfe, Glenn Standring
Co-Producers
Tainui Stephens, Norman Merry
Executive Producers
XYZ Films
Cast
James Rolleston, Lawrence Makoare, Te Kohe Tuhaka, Xavier Horan Fight
Choreographer
Steve McQuillan (Lord of the Rings)
US Distributor
Magnolia
Reviews
“Heightened performances give an epic edge to a sumptuously photographed coming-of-age tale fired by honor and revenge”
– Deborah Young, The Hollywood Reporter
“Impressive scenery and action elevate a tale of pre-colonial Maori warfare that is nonetheless brutal to the brink of monotony.”
– Dennis Harvey, Variety
Photos
