If you're at all interested in what goes on at film festivals, you're probably familiar with Toa Fraser. This director's latest contribution to the film industry is in the adventure genre, "Dead lands"(The Dead Lands). The film was highly praised by critics at all the festivals at which it was presented, as well as by audiences in its homeland, New Zealand, after being shown in cinemas. If you have just now discovered the name of this film, perhaps you might be interested in this review.
The film shows how two tribes, who had long ago concluded a truce, again embarked on the path of brutal war when Virepa (Te Kohe Tuhaka) commits a flagrant act of sacrilege at a symbolic peace ceremony. The chief's young son, Hongi (James Rolleston), becomes a bystander when Vipera, in his personal ambitions towards glory and dominance of the tribe, takes the lives of almost all of his tribe members in one fateful night.
Desperate, Hongi decides to avenge his father and restore the honor of the spirits of the fallen tribe by tracking down Vipera and his warrior clan. Knowing full well that he cannot cope alone, he follows the enemy to the forbidden lands and finds a mysterious warrior there (Lawrence Makor) to ask him for help. Seeing how Vipera and his men have also trespassed on his lands, the warrior reluctantly joins Hongi and his mission.
"Dead Lands" - in fact, my first acquaintance with creativity Fraser , unlike those who have already seen his previous films, such as the 2006 Sundance Drama Audience Award winner Naming Number Two and the book adaptation My Talks With Dean Spanley" in 2, "Dean Spanley". Also, I am not very knowledgeable about ancient Maori culture, but still, I was very pleased with the overall quality of the product, especially the performances of the actors, immersing themselves in the ancient dialect, culture and mannerisms in all aspects.
Rolleston, who has won awards for his performances in films like The Boy (2010) and Dark Horse (2014), does an incredible job as the leading man. He stands out even against the background of more experienced actors, Tuhaka, who played the main villain, и Makora, which showcases one of the most compelling characters in film - the warrior.
In addition to the drama, we see some impressive action sequences, thanks in large part to the stunt coordinator, Steve McQuillan, and fight choreographer, Jamus Webster. They added spectacle to the brutal Maori martial art, and thought through all the subtleties, from ancient weapons, choreography, and ending with the corresponding fearlessness of the warriors. Some of the most impressive action scenes on screen are showcased Lawrence Makor, who is no stranger to such roles, having starred in Peter Jackson's last three films based on Tolkien's Lord of the Rings.
Actress Raukura Turei also features a strong performance as Mee, a tribal woman traveling with two other companions through the forbidden lands. Despite her fairly limited screen time, her performance is impressive and leaves you wanting more.
Scenario Glenn Standring illuminates an ancient world filled with visceral ferocity, pain and suffering, coupled with an emphasis on the evils of tribal politics.
Freeser immerses you in a world of thrills, extreme excitement, intensity, vibrancy and grandeur without going to extremes, thereby delivering a powerful, mesmerizing film.
"Monster in the Flesh"
Posted by Lee Golden (filmcombatsyndicate.blogspot.com)
Translated especially for Fight-Films.Info
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Tags: The Dead Lands, Jamus Webster, James Rolleston, Lawrence Makor, Dead lands, Raukura Turei, Steve McQuillan, Te Kohe Tuhaka, Toa Fraser
Tags: The Dead Lands, Jamus Webster, James Rolleston, Lawrence Makor, Dead lands, Raukura Turei, Steve McQuillan, Te Kohe Tuhaka, Toa Fraser
Unlike Vengeance Of An Assassin, this film is fun to watch on its own. Well, of course, who is interested in such films at all? The visuals, aesthetics and authenticity are beyond praise.
The fights are tough, bloody (with weapons and to the death), you believe in the power of the blows. But there is no trace of such interesting technology. The trailer looks brighter.
Well, the cameraman and editor are in quite a storm.