THE CONVERT (2024)

Genre: Drama/Action
Director: Lee Tamahori
Cast: Guy Pearce, Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne, Antonio Te Maioha, Jacqueline McKenzie, Lawrence Makoare, Dean O'Gorman, Jared Turner
Runtime: 1 hr 59 mins
Rating: NC16 (Some Violence & Nudity)
Released By: Shaw Organisation
Official Website:

Opening Day: 12 September 2024

Synopsis: A lay preacher who arrives at a British settlement in 1830s. His violent past is soon drawn into question and his faith put to the test, as he finds himself caught in the middle of a bloody war between Maori tribes.

Movie Review:

What most of us know about New Zealand movies may be restricted to Peter Jackson’s epic The Lord of the Rings film series. One of the most ambitious film projects ever undertaken, the original trilogy was shot on Jackson's home ground New Zealand. The scenic mountain ranges, wild rivers and grassy fields were the perfect setting for the fictitious Middle-earth, and the box office success of the movies naturally did wonders for the country’s tourism industry.

With New Zealand director Lee Tamahori’s latest work, here's another opportunity to better understand the island country situated in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Plus, the story actually takes place during the 1830s in a historical setting, so you won’t be imagining that the spectacular views on screen are imagined from fantasy.

Based on Hamish Clayton's novel Wulf, with a screenplay co written by Tamahori and Shane Danielsen, we are brought back in time to the early 19th century. The protagonist is Thomas Munro (a much missed Guy Pearce), a lay minister who arrives in New Zealand during a time when two Māori tribes are head to head with each other.

You may be expecting a story of how a white saviour becomes the hero by bringing peace to two clashing factions, but this subdued movie doesn’t take that approach. It doesn’t rush through the motion and gradually allows the character developments to take place. Thomas first meets and saves Rangimai (Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne), before he becomes her religion tutor in Christianity. He also gets to know her father Maianui (Antonio Te Maioha), the chieftain of a tribe. Through a series of incidents, he gains the trust of the much respected elder.

As the film progresses, we also learn about know Thomas’ past as a soldier and how he eventually turned to religion to spiritually redeem himself for his past actions. Just as you wonder where the story is headed, the rival tribe headed by Akatarewa (Lawrence Makoare) makes its presence felt after an attempt to negotiate reconciliation fails. It doesn’t help that there are greedy British businessmen involved. All these lead to a battle between the two tribes, with Thomas taking Maianui’s side.

While there must have been quite a bit of liberty made to dramatise the movie, a certain extent of the story would have been based on history. You can feel that the filmmakers have taken a very respectful approach of telling the story. From the choice of actors to the native language spoken by the two tribes, as well as the raw action sequences during the finale of the 119 minute movie, every bit is treated with regard. The takeaway message is not new, but you can sense the sincerity and well meaning intention from the creators.

It is also a treat to watch the movie on a big screen for the awe inspiring visuals. Shot on New Zealand’s West Auckland beaches, as well as other locations around the Auckland and Northland regions, the sceneries are gorgeous and will make the city dweller in us be in wonderment of what the world outside tall buildings and cityscapes have to offer. 

Movie Rating:

(The film respects the Māori culture and delivers an authentic message about peace and reconciliation)

Review by John Li