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The Convert

The Convert

  • Status: Released
  • 14-03-2024
  • Runtime: 119 min
  • Score: 6.128
  • Vote count: 133

Munro, a soldier turned lay preacher, comes to New Zealand to minister to the first British colonists, but he is converted by the powerful chief Maianui to serve a different purpose.

Guy Pearce

Thomas Munro

Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne

Rangimai

Antonio Te Maioha

Maianui

Jacqueline McKenzie

Charlotte

Te Kohe Tuhaka

Captive Warrior

Lawrence Makoare

Akatarewa

Dean O'Gorman

Kedgley

Jared Turner

Castor Samuels

Kelly Vivian

Epworth Washerwoman / Epworth Dancer

Jack Barry

Harris

Marris Collins

Maianui Elder

Duane Evans Jr.

Pahirua

Andrew G Hill

Maianui Warrior

Renee Lyons

Jane Beauchamp

Leonard Mathews

Maianui Elder / Akatarewa Warrior

Madeleine McCarthy

Bethany Beauchamp

Tania Nolan

Mrs. Webster

Peata Panoho

Maianui Medicine Woman

Ariki Salvation-Turner

Uenuku

Mark Sole

Boyd

Quinn Sugrue

Petrie

Whiu Tomika

Aorangi

George Tughushi

Military

Will Wallace

Padgett

Mark Mitchinson

Beauchamp

Matthew Chamberlain

De Buin

Aidee Walker

Edwina De Buin

Eds Eramiha

Te Kauri

Richard Falkner

Farrell

Matia Mitai

Ratapu

Stephen Lovatt

Cornwall

Hinetu Dell

Older Woman

Venetia Clark

Mother - Mrs. Wallant

MovieGuys

In spite of a few shortcomings, I mostly liked The Convert. Firstly, there's Australian actor, Guy Pierce. Pierce who is, in my opinion, fantastic. Its been quite a while since I've seen him in anything, I'd personally consider worthwhile, so this film made for a welcome change. Another upside, is a reasonable, if overcooked story (I'll come to that) which offers insights into early colonial life in New Zealand. In particular, it taps into the conflict between Maori tribes (the native people) and the newly arrived colonists. It's not a bad tale but as is often the case, it overplays its hand. The colonists are depicted as largely narrow minded, racist bigots. Its fair to say there was indeed racism (and still is). Its also true, however that the reason there are no pure Maori left in New Zealand, is because they integrated with the new arrivals.Its a bit hard to overstate the race card, when you stop to consider this fact. That said, there remains a heck of a lot to like here. Great performances, convincing characterisations and action that's a little implausible, at times, but still well done and generally entertaining. In summary, The Convert, in spite of a few shortcomings, is a quality production, that's definitely worth a look.