Mahana (2016)

	Also Known As: -
	Year of first release: 2016
	Director: Lee Tamahori
	Actors: Temuera Morrison, Akuhata Keefe
	Country: NZ
	Genre: Drama
	Conditions of visioning: 08.08.2016, Schauburg, OV Sneak Preview
Synopsis: A piece in the life of the Mahana Maori family in New-Zealand, ruled by the patriarch (Morrison) in the 60s. The family is torn by rivalry with the neighbour Poata family. When the young Simeon (Keefe) starts questionning the life in the farm, the patriarch's anger collides against his wife's kindness. The family understands then slowly the story of the family and of the rivalry.
Review: The charism and power of submission of the patriarch is impressive and settled from the first scene, also having peaks of humour. The first scene settles also the characters of the family that we will follow. In general the construction of the book and scenes is very efficient to explain the family story and the big changes appearing within 103 minutes.  I liked the tensions in that family and the fresh questions of Simeon. Even if the white landlords are depicted as nice persons, the scene in the court shows that the discrimation that is nowadays discussed in the USA or in European countries, that the colonial-like behaviour of white people is not new. And with an example from the antipodes.One big negative point to the movie is that the Maori dialogues were not subtitled! I found the acting very good for the roles.  The whole movie gives some interesting views in the Maori culture, how the families or clans are built, how the communication within the clan works, and also between clans. And also on the way colons and in general white people treated the Maoris in the past. What is the situation now? Is this movie aims at giving a parallel with the current Maori situation? If anybody knows, please comment this post.
Rating: 6 /10