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Ka Whawhai Tonu

Play trailer Poster for Ka Whawhai Tonu 2024 1h 55m Drama History War Play Trailer Watchlist
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Set in Aotearoa New Zealand in 1864, KA WHAWHAI TONU tells the story of a pivotal battle in the first New Zealand land wars in the Waikato region. A battle fought with impossible odds between Māori and the Colonial forces. This heroic conflict is told through the eyes of two young teenagers forced to take control of their own destiny amidst the chaos of the battle and their escape.

Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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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 Full Review Read all reviews
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Movie Info

Synopsis Set in Aotearoa New Zealand in 1864, KA WHAWHAI TONU tells the story of a pivotal battle in the first New Zealand land wars in the Waikato region. A battle fought with impossible odds between Māori and the Colonial forces. This heroic conflict is told through the eyes of two young teenagers forced to take control of their own destiny amidst the chaos of the battle and their escape.
Director
Mike Jonathan
Producer
Piripi Curtis, Toby Parkinson
Screenwriter
Tim Worrall
Production Co
Akeake Limited
Genre
Drama, History, War
Original Language
Māori
Runtime
1h 55m