The Convert: A Flawed yet Visually Stunning Exploration of Colonialism
A stunning New Zealand landscape
As I sat down to watch Lee Tamahori’s The Convert, I was expecting a thought-provoking exploration of colonialism and its effects on indigenous cultures. While the film does deliver on its promise of visually stunning landscapes and intense battle scenes, it ultimately falls short in its storytelling, struggling to balance its dual perspectives.
“A man of the earth, Thomas also pleads with the ship captain to let him rest on the nearby land while they gather timber and other materials for scheduled repairs.”
The film tells the story of Thomas Munro, a lay preacher who arrives at a British settlement in 1830s New Zealand, only to find himself caught in the middle of a bloody war between Maori tribes. As Thomas navigates this treacherous landscape, he must confront his own dark past and the moral implications of his actions.
Guy Pearce as Thomas Munro
One of the standout aspects of The Convert is its attention to cultural authenticity. The film’s recreation of 1800s Maori culture is meticulous, and the cinematography is breathtaking. However, this attention to detail is not enough to compensate for the film’s lack of substance.
“It’s as if the filmmakers felt that period piece recreation and a couple of intense bookending battles were enough to cover up flimsy and stale storytelling.”
The biggest crime of The Convert is its tedious pacing, which makes its two-hour running time feel like an eternity. The film’s central conflict is predictable, and the characters feel more like archetypes than fully fleshed-out people.
Maori warriors in battle
Despite its flaws, The Convert is a visually stunning film that is worth watching for its cinematography alone. However, those looking for a thought-provoking exploration of colonialism may find themselves disappointed.
Rating: 3/5 stars
Recommendation: If you’re interested in learning more about colonialism and its effects on indigenous cultures, I would recommend checking out this article on the impact of colonialism on Maori culture.
