The Convert

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The Convert

Released Jul 12

1h 59m

Drama

Action

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

84%

Tomatometer

43 Reviews

58%

Popcornmeter

50+ Ratings

New Zealand in the 1830s is a largely Māori world, dominated by tribal wars. Seeking redemption from a dark past, lay preacher Thomas Munro (GUY PEARCE) is on board a trading vessel heading to the newly established town of Epworth, a British settlement at the far corner of the world. When the ship anchors on the rugged coast of New Zealand, Munro finds himself caught up in a battle between Māori tribes and witnesses a slaughter of innocents at the hands of chief Akatarawa. Munro manages to save the life of Rangimai -- the daughter of Maianui, a rival chief whose land Epworth leases in a delicate arrangement. As Munro begins to experience the white townsfolk's entrenched racism and paranoia towards the Māori, he finds himself increasingly ostracized within the community he is meant to serve and realizes he has been brought to this isolated British outpost merely to add the veneer of civilization. When one of Maianui's men is murdered under mysterious circumstances, Munro and Rangimai take a dangerous journey into the prohibited lands ruled by Māori warlords, in the hope of repairing the injustice. However, Munro soon realizes he is a pawn in a strategic play of power, and with bloody war between the two dominant tribes now inevitable, he must decide what role he will play and whether his faith is real, or of any value.

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Critics Consensus

A crunchy action-adventure with insights into imperialism, The Convert is a bloody return to form for Kiwi director Lee Tamahori.

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Monica Castillo

RogerEbert.com

The movie takes on a bittersweet note, bringing history to life in all its messy complexity - and the everyday players who shape it.

Rated: 3/4

Jul 21, 2024

Full Review

Christian Zilko

indieWire

The Convert manages to combine an entertaining portrayal of an often ignored historical era with universal questions about whether it’s ever possible to build a human society on the foundation of something other than violence.

Rated: B+

Jul 12, 2024

Full Review

Frank Scheck

The Hollywood Reporter

The Convert is uneven and doesn’t fully live up to its thematic ambitions. But it’s handsomely made and thankfully avoids falling victim to white savior syndrome.

Jul 12, 2024

Full Review

Alexa Dalby

Dog and Wolf

The Convert is an uneven but enjoyable, angry epic by a director with a robust anti-colonial, pro-first-nation worldview, particularly pertinent now as Charles III is controversially touring Australia.

Rated: 3/5

Nov 22, 2024

Full Review

Lee Zumpe

Tampa Bay Newspapers

“The Convert” is a captivating, engaging epic that sheds light on the toxic effect of colonization while offering fascinating glimpses of Māori culture.

Oct 28, 2024

Full Review

Alex Maidy

JoBlo's Movie Network

Even though there are some slow parts in the middle of this movie, I recommend checking out The Convert to learn more about a side of history you don’t typically see on the big screen.

Rated: 7/10

Oct 15, 2024

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Daniel N

Pointless slow burn movie where nothing happens. Not worth wasting 2 hours of your day. Fast forward to the last 10 minutes to watch the Māori battle, then turn it off.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

11/07/24

Full Review

Avindu G

It's a unique story from what the title would typically suggest. It's about the righteousness and beauty of humanness rather than petty politics and false patriotism. This portrayal of civilizations clash invites the audience to accept the face value but gradually accompanies the viewers towards reality and a history that wasn't famously documented. Excellent visuals of nature that's untouched and formidable even for royal navies. Great performances by the cast. Good use of audio. For the surprising message the story carries The Convert would be an absolute treat for anyone who looks for period drama with a unique perspective.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

09/30/24

Full Review

Handels E

Great movie stunning visuals great great acting and action scenes.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/04/24

Full Review

Les N

Interesting history. Made me want to look into it more.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/29/24

Full Review

Travis M

A true awe inspiring movie. The cultural details and admiration really hones in to the raw emotion of this masterpiece. I'd only wished there would be a sequel extrapolating the continued adversities felt thereon. Kudos to all the actors and actresses and everyone who was a part of this film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/24/24

Full Review

Jerod S

Pearce knocked it out of the park in this 1830s colonization story. We get to see value, heartbreak, pride and war from all angles. Thoroughly surprised.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/21/24

Full Review

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Lee Tamahori

Director

Guy Pearce

Thomas Munro

Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne

Rangimai

Antonio Te Maioha

Actor

Jacqueline McKenzie

Actor

Lawrence Makoare

Actor

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The Convert: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

New Zealand in the 1830s is a largely Māori world, dominated by tribal wars. Seeking redemption from a dark past, lay preacher Thomas Munro (GUY PEARCE) is on board a trading vessel heading to the newly established town of Epworth, a British settlement at the far corner of the world. When the ship anchors on the rugged coast of New Zealand, Munro finds himself caught up in a battle between Māori tribes and witnesses a slaughter of innocents at the hands of chief Akatarawa. Munro manages to save the life of Rangimai -- the daughter of Maianui, a rival chief whose land Epworth leases in a delicate arrangement. As Munro begins to experience the white townsfolk's entrenched racism and paranoia towards the Māori, he finds himself increasingly ostracized within the community he is meant to serve and realizes he has been brought to this isolated British outpost merely to add the veneer of civilization. When one of Maianui's men is murdered under mysterious circumstances, Munro and Rangimai take a dangerous journey into the prohibited lands ruled by Māori warlords, in the hope of repairing the injustice. However, Munro soon realizes he is a pawn in a strategic play of power, and with bloody war between the two dominant tribes now inevitable, he must decide what role he will play and whether his faith is real, or of any value.

Director: Lee Tamahori
Producer: Troy Lum, Robin Scholes, Andrew Mason, Te Kohe Tuhaka
Screenwriter: Shane Danielsen, Lee Tamahori
Distributor: Magnolia Pictures
Production Co: New Zealand Premium Production Fund, New Zealand Film Commission, Brouhaha Entertainment, MBK Productions, Jump Film and Television
Genre: Drama, Action
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 12, 2024, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 12, 2024
Box Office (Gross USA): $5.3K
Runtime: 1h 59m

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