In the Fire of War

2024 [MĀORI]

Action / History / War

5
IMDb Rating 6.9/10 10 234 234

new zealand maori battle 19th century 1860s new zealand land wars

Plot summary

Two young teenagers are forced to take control of their own destiny amid the chaos of a pivotal battle in New Zealand’s first land wars in 1864.

Director

Mike Jonathan Photo
Mike Jonathan

Top cast

Cliff Curtis Photo
Cliff Curtis as Wi Toka
Jason Flemyng Photo
Jason Flemyng as Daniel Morgan
Temuera Morrison Photo
Temuera Morrison as Rewi Maniapoto
Te Rawhitiroa Bosch Photo
Te Rawhitiroa Bosch as William Mair
720p.WEB 1080p.WEB
1.03 GB
1280*534
Māori 2.0
NR
23.976 fps
1 hr 54 min
Seeds 100+
2.12 GB
1920*800
Māori 5.1
NR
23.976 fps
1 hr 54 min
Seeds 100+

Movie Reviews

Reviewed by Blue-Grotto 8 / 10

"Fill yourself with the best, until you find out who you really are."

Haki, a young man with a Maori mother and an English soldier father, is not sure if he is running from something or to something. He is caught up in two wars at the same time; the 1864 battle of Orakau between the Maori and ten times as many English soldiers, and a conflict in his heart between two cultures. The upcoming fight leads Haki and his relatives on both sides of the trenches, to the dawn of a new era."Stop lying, or lie better."With ethereal forest scenery, mesmerizing sounds of women singing, elaborate costumes, compelling characters, intriguing dances, depth, and intense fighting spectacles, Struggle Without End is enthralling. No one trash talks and postures like the Maori on the eve of battle. "Understand our past," said one of the Maori film producers at this North American premiere screening at the Toronto International Film Festival "and you can look at us differently.""There is a big shift happening. We are telling our own stories."Struggle Without End is told from a Maori perspective, which is refreshing. I enjoy supporting independent, indigenous filmmakers in part because of this fascinating and enlightening shift in perspective. Such a shift is usually not seen in mainstream films. For instance, the leadership model is different. Maori leaders, good and bad, still ask permission from their people to move in any given direction.
Reviewed by annapercynz 10 / 10

A gripping drama with a deeper meaning

I was swept up in this story from the first line, it is romantic, exciting and full of action, but not going to spoil it here. The acting is superb and the music deserves recognition especially because it serves the story, not drawing attention to itself. What sticks with me though is, this is the history we weren't taught in school, this is what colonisation was like at the time before the official, sanitised version was written down. To tell this story in the Maori language in 2024 is the victory that Rewi Maniapoto hoped for. Kia kaha te ao Maori, kia kaha te Reo Maori, Ake, Ake Ake tonu e.
Reviewed by stephen-394 10 / 10

Gripping heroes journey amidst chilling historical context

While the story is fictional, the war event (massacre of Maori for land) and the Maori leader depicted were historic. As I have walked the land, as part of the Te Araroa trail and other walks (e.g. Lake Waikaremoana), I have become increasingly aware of the historic outrages perpetrated for the sake of 'ownership through confiscation and murder' (my phrase, as far as I know).This film really crafts a beautiful story that explore emerging and traditional aspects of Maori culture of the time in a collision and conflict with a colonizing force, and weaves in love, finding self and courage. The music throughout is stunning. Deeply moving and thought provoking, and highly recommended.
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