The Patriarch aims for classical screen storytelling, but the result, while entertaining for a time, becomes clunky and predictable, its sentimentality amplified by awkward incorporation of songs into the lush score.
Mahana
From the author of Whale Rider, the screenwriter of Master and Commander and the producer and director of Once Were Warriors comes a profound and enduring tale of rural family life.
2016 · 1h 43m · N/A Drama
Overview
1960s, East Coast of New Zealand. Two Māori sheep-shearing families, the Mahanas and the Poatas, are longstanding enemies and commercial rivals. 14-year-old Simeon Mahana, the youngest son of the youngest son is in conflict with his traditionalist grandfather, Tamihana. As Simeon unravels the truth behind the longstanding family vendetta he risks not just his own future prospects but the cohesion of the entire tight-knit society.
Director and cast
- Temuera Morrison as Grandfather Tamihana Mahana
- Akuhata Keefe as Simeon Mahana
- Nancy Brunning as Ramona Mahana
- Jim Moriarty as Rupeni Poata
- Regan Taylor as Joshua Mahana
- Maria Walker as Huria Mahana
- Sienna MacKinlay as Gloria Mahana
- Tuhiwhakauraoterangi Wallace-Ihakara as Hope Mahana
- Kyra McRae as Faith Mahana
- Eds Eramiha as Pani
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
Proudly expands the still-limited canon of essential films about New Zealand's tribal people ...
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