The Convert is directed by Lee Tamahori (Next, xXx: State of the Nation, Once Were Warriors, Die Another Day). The film premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, screened in several countries, and now has a digital release. The director co-wrote the screenplay with Shane Danielson (The World Made Straight, Errors of the Human Body). For anyone who is not proficient in the history of England establishing roots in New Zealand, this film can be pretty eye-opening – and not for the faint of heart – as there is a war between the Māori tribes, and the scenes of the violence between them or otherwise are not an easy watch. When is it ever easy to watch?
Short Synopsis: When a lay preacher Thomas Munro (Guy Pearce) arrives at a British settlement in 1830s New Zealand, his violent past is drawn into question, and his faith is put to the test as he finds himself caught in the middle of a bloody war between Māori tribes.
Pearce is excellent in the role of the preacher, with good intentions of peace in the settlement and with the tribes. He holds on fast to his intentions, but not everyone is on board to broaden their minds even after moving thousands of miles away from their country to “settle” another. Unfortunately, we see the same mindset of thinking those who are different from them are “savages,” much as was done to the Native American indigenous people in the USA (among others). The history of the actions taken against the indigenous is documented, and films have been released into the world to support this.
In this filmmaker’s story, Munro learns of the two Māori chiefs, Maianui (Antonio Te Maioha) and Akatarewa (Lawrence Makoare), in conflict over who will control the land. European traders came by ship to deliver Munro as cargo but also brought weapons (muskets and bullets) for each tribe. The traders, led by Kedgley (Dean O’Gorman), ask for specific items to be traded, increasing the items and amount each visit. The traders know with each tribe stocking up on weapons, it won’t be long before the indigenous will be killing each other off on Aotearoa.
Munro takes a wounded Māori woman, Rangimai (Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne), back to the British settlement. When he seeks medical aid from the doctor, he denies her care. A young, caring British woman is an ally, and Munro meets a widow named Charlotte (Jacqueline McKenzie). She has her own story of how she came to the settlement and knows the Māori language.
The most impressive performance is by Ngatai-Melbourne, who mourns her husband, sings funeral songs for him and others, and is a warrior in her own right. She is the reason to view the film, giving life to the character, but Guy Pearce fans will not be disappointed.
Cinematographer Gin Loane captures the beauty of the landscape, oceanside or in the forest, which serves as a cover for tribal homes. Not all scenes are sunshine and lush beaches. Loane seeks the setting for the story when it changes from pleasant to wildly vicious.
Cast: Guy Pearce, Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne, Antonio Te Maioha, Jacqueline McKenzie, Lawrence Makoare
The Convert is available to own or rent on digital download as of October 14, 2024.
Run Time: 119 minutes
Source: Vertigo Releasing
For anyone who is interested, the following is a statement from the proclamation of Indigenous Peoples’ Day today, October 14, 2024.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 14, 2024, as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.