Utu Redux

Overview

Following its initial release in 1983, the film Utu became one of the country’s biggest cinematic hits, second only to Goodbye Pork Pie. In addition to being officially selected for Cannes, it received rave reviews out of the US and helped push the director Geoff Murphy into Hollywood.

To remedy his dissatisfaction with the original cut and broaden its international appeal, Murphy oversaw a new cut in 2013 with cinematographer Graeme Cowley, and editor Mike Horton. The enhanced version is know as Utu Redux.

Described as a “Maori Western”, the film is partly inspired by events from Te Kooti's War, the 19th century conflicts between the Maori and European settlers. It tells the story of Maori leader Te Wheke as he sets out to get ‘utu’ (vengeance) on his former allies after colonial troops destroy his village and kills his family. In the process, Te Wheke provokes everyone from: frontiersmen, natives, lusty wahine, bible-bashing priests and kupapa.

The lead role was played by Anzac Wallace, who had done little acting up until that point and was working as a trade union delegate. His commanding presence gained him the comparison of “a Maori Che Guevara,” by legendary American critic Pauline Kael. The cast also includes Bruno Lawrence, a member of 'hippy' musical and theatrical co-operative Blerta.