In the Fire of War

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In the Fire of War

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1h 55m

History

Drama

War

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4 Reviews

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In 1864 during the New Zealand Wars, Haki, a Māori-European teenager, fighting for the NZ colonial forces, was captured by the Māori resistance. He starts a reluctant friendship with Kopu, a young girl believed to be a medium for the Māori god of war who guides her people into a brutal battle with the colonial British forces, vastly outnumbered in a battle to death or liberty.

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Wesley Hunt

Loud and Clear Reviews

It may be brutal, but it is a story worth telling and something this people group can be proud of for showcasing.

Rated: 4/5

Jun 11, 2025

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Jen Shieff

New Zealand Herald

Mike Jonathan’s debut honours Merata Mita and packs a real punch.

Rated: 4/5

Jan 9, 2025

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Sarah Gopaul

Digital Journal

Even though a mismatched war is at the narrative’s centre, there is much more unfolding in the background.

Sep 26, 2024

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Abe Friedtanzer

The Film Experience

Ka Whawhai Tonu is an immersive film that transports audiences back in time, conveying the stakes of this standoff and the way in which it mirrors so many other situations of colonialism where invading forces are so sure of their superiority.

Rated: B

Sep 10, 2024

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Stephen C

1 hour and 55 minutes based on a true story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/14/25

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nick s

A good effort to depict a historical battle between Maori and colonial British troops in New Zealand, seen through the lens of several children caught up in the conflict. In the Ōrākau battle, about 300 Moari, including some women and children, were attacked by about 1,100 regulars. The director consulted with descendants of the battle to ensure the words and actions of the major characters were authentic. So rather than the British side of the conflict the viewer is given the Moari story. The Movie is mostly in the Moari tongue with subtitles. That isn't too distracting as it's not a verbose movie. In fact it sounds better in Moari.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/09/24

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Mike Jonathan

Director

Temuera Morrison

Rewi Maniapoto

Jason Flemyng

Daniel Morgan

Miriama Smith

Turama

Cliff Curtis

Wi Toka

Paku Fernandez

Haki

In the Fire of War: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

In 1864 during the New Zealand Wars, Haki, a Māori-European teenager, fighting for the NZ colonial forces, was captured by the Māori resistance. He starts a reluctant friendship with Kopu, a young girl believed to be a medium for the Māori god of war who guides her people into a brutal battle with the colonial British forces, vastly outnumbered in a battle to death or liberty.

Director: Mike Jonathan
Producer: Piripi Curtis, Toby Parkinson
Screenwriter: Tim Worrall
Distributor: Indican Pictures
Production Co: Akeake Limited
Genre: History, Drama, War
Original Language: Māori
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 13, 2025, Limited
Box Office (Gross USA): $22.4K
Runtime: 1h 55m

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