Backbencher

The film UTU, by Geoff Murphy, takes place in New Zealand in the late 1860s, early 1870s. The story is of a Maori warrior (Te Wheke) who is a guide for a British regiment. While on patrol, Te Wheke finds that his family has been murdered and his village burned by the very (pale) hands he calls his friends. Te Wheke then dons the mask of the utu; a ritual scaring of the face for revenge . . . now let the carnage begin! At least that's what the cover would make you believe. Don't get me wrong, there are a few good parts (especially in the church), but I don,t want to give it away. I went into this film believing it to be very serious, and it is, but there are some parts that caught me off guard and made me laugh (specifically, Mr. Williamson and his shotgun!). This humor and British satire (how I saw it) seemed out of place for the topic. But what some of the humor revealed (oddly) was that everyone is affected by this fighting. It also had a "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" feel to it with the long pauses between some of the lines (face off).
The movie was filmed in New Zealand and this is one thing that makes the movie. It is beautiful! The counrty side reminded me of Ireland (very green and rocky). I believe it was filmed on the North Island. I am only guessing this because some of the natives that were used in the film were from a club out of Hawke,s Bay. I didn't expect it to be so foggy/cloudy and even a bit chilly (could see their breath). By the looks of it, the film was shot at higher altitudes (could explain the fog or just special effects).
We do get to see the Maori ritual dance in the film, in addition to tongue flicking! Te Wheke resembles Gene Simmons at times. UTU is a really good movie, but it may be an acquired taste; that is to say that you may have to watch it more than once. The acting could be better. Note the reaction of the church members (these are some of the locals)!