I usually, but not always, watch somewhat more commercial films. You know, high budget Hollywood flicks? High rage venting potential. Luckily, I stepped down a bit from that kind of approach and this is what I discovered.
The story takes place right after the Anglo-Boers wars when a hardened Boer named Arjan, played by the mighty Ray Winstone, decides to find and build a new life in New Zealand. This setting is quite peculiar actually, since New Zealand was in the control of the British, by that time. So, it kind of gives it an extra twist. However, when an apparent crime against a British officer is committed by a local Maori - past disputes are put aside as Arjan's expertise as a tracker is well known and hugely respected. After that already pretty interesting prologue - the story comes to a point where it turns into a drama-filled, tracking style battle of the wits. The Maori, played by Temuera Morrison, and Arjan go all out on each other, both physically and mentally. One being the runner, other being the chaser, but both strong and compelling characters with hard lives and burdened pasts.
The acting was a huge surprise. The lead performances were amazingly compelling and realistic. You come to a realization of how both Winstone and Morrison give out a strong aura, thanks to their tough and rugged persona.
The scenery is beautiful to say the least, as it tries to cover all of the beauty that New Zealand has to offer, and it offers a lot.
In conclusion, if you would like to relax, but still watch a serious and moving story - this is most definitely the film to see. It will give you an excellent story with a superb pace and a truly amazing ending.
8 out of 10.
