The Dead Lands
Action, Adventure
-
2014
Available on
Country
Hongi, a Maori chieftain’s teenage son, must avenge his father’s murder in order to bring peace and honour to the souls of his loved ones after his tribe is slaughtered through an act of treachery. Vastly outnumbered by a band of villains led by Wirepa, Hongi’s only hope is to pass through the feared and forbidden “Dead Lands” and forge an uneasy alliance with a mysterious warrior, a ruthless fighter who has ruled the area for years.
Director:
Cast:
Similar
Details
Runtime:
108 min
Release date:
4 Sep 2014
Country:
NZ, GB
Languages:
Māori
Budget:
$0
Revenue:
$5,240
Awards:
5 wins & 9 nominations
Top Critics Reviews
fresh:
It feels like a typical action movie that's been sawed off and sanded down - its blunt edges sharpened, its soft center drained out. It's not particularly original, but it is mean, relentless, and bracing.
– Bilge Ebiri,
New York Magazine/Vulture,
17 Apr 2015
fresh:
A fable about New Zealand's indigenous Maori people before the arrival of European settlers, "The Dead Lands" values entertainment over archaeology.
– Martin Tsai,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Apr 2015
fresh:
Action fans will enjoy the fight scenes while the rest of us may find the film perversely interesting from a socio-anthropological perspective.
– Bruce Demara,
Toronto Star,
16 Apr 2015
rotten:
Honor and shame are frequently announced concerns in the story, and the staginess recalls Mr. Fraser's experience as a theater director.
– Nicolas Rapold,
New York Times,
16 Apr 2015
fresh:
Once you get past an awkward and artificial beginning and roll with the movie's crazy rhythm, The Dead Lands is also a blast, and one that delivers an unexpected emotional wallop along with gore, thrills and spectacular scenery.
– Andrew O'Hehir,
Salon.com,
16 Apr 2015