The Convert: A Film of Unexpected Twists and Turns

In Lee Tamahori’s The Convert, the familiar trope of a European settler clashing with the native Maori population of 19th-century New Zealand takes an unexpected turn. This is not a story of black and white, good and evil, but a nuanced exploration of the complexities of human nature.

A 19th-century New Zealand landscape

Guy Pearce shines as Thomas Munro, a lay minister who has traveled to the distant shores of Aotearoa to escape the violence of his past. However, what he finds is not the peace he sought, but a cauldron of rival Maori tribes and European settlers locked in a cycle of violence.

Munro’s journey begins on the high seas, where he witnesses the brutality of the Maori and the English who traffic arms to fuel their conflicts. When he arrives at the small settlement of Epworth, he is tasked with providing spiritual guidance to theEnglish, but soon finds himself drawn to the Maori and their way of life.

Munro, a man torn between two worlds

As Munro navigates the complex web of alliances and rivalries, he comes to realize that his role is not to convert the Maori to Christianity, but to understand and learn from them. Through his interactions with Rangimai, a young Maori woman, and her father, Maianui, Munro begins to see the world through their eyes.

The film is a visual feast, with cinematographer Ginny Loane capturing the vibrant colors and lush landscapes of New Zealand. The casting is outstanding, with the Maori actors bringing depth and nuance to their roles.

A stunning New Zealand landscape

The Convert is a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of human nature, and the consequences of cultural clash. It is a film that will leave you questioning your assumptions and challenging your views on the nature of civilization.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars