The Dead Lands

"Conventional wisdom would have you think a pre-colonial Māori action movie in Te Reo would be a suicidal commercial proposition. Then again, conventional wisdom is responsible for so much dreck littering bargain bins and has never produced the patu-wielding, arse-kicking, uniquely Aotearoan action of The Dead Lands. For many Kiwis, the period setting and Māori language elements should prove a unique enough reason to stump up for a movie ticket. For others, The Dead Lands offers proof that a well-crafted, fight-filled revenge story is the type of pic least reliant on the English language to impress, which this does in spades."

"Impressive scenery and action elevate [this] tale that is nonetheless brutal to the brink of monotony."

"Energetic, glossy and exciting... doesn’t shirk when it comes to offering up bone-crunching battles and blood-thirsty martial arts scenes."

"A Maori martial arts movie, a showcase for the taiaha and patu fighting skills of mau rakau."

"Toa Fraser’s dazzling action-adventure is an imaginative voyage through a time of violent emotions."

"Lurid, furious, bloodthirsty fun. If you were a fan of Apocalypto... then you really need to see this."