Toa Fraser’s thriller, filmed entirely in Maori, takes place in the ancient period before New Zealand was colonised. It begins with a massacre: the teenage Hongi (James Rolleston) is the only survivor of a tribe wiped out by the devious Wirepa (Te Kohe Tuhaka). Hongi vows revenge and sets off on a perilous mission that will take him through the forbidden Dead Lands, an area ruled by a legendary cannibal warrior. A picaresque adventure follows, neatly balancing a folkloric coming-of-age tale with violent action thrills, climaxing with a neat upending of the usual expectations.
The Dead Lands Review
Teenage Hongi (James Rolleston) is the only survivor of a tribe wiped out by the devious Wirepa. Hongi vows revenge and sets off on a perilous mission across the forbidden Dead Lands, an area ruled by a legendary cannibal warrior.
Release Date:
29 May 2015
Running Time:
107 minutes
Certificate:
15
Original Title:
Dead Lands, The
Neatly balances a folkloric coming-of-age tale with violent action thrills.
Related Articles
Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us