
UtuistheMaoriwordfor"Retribution,"whichsumsupthechiefmotivatingfactorofthisNewZealand-produceddrama.Setinthe1870s,thefilmdetailstheexigenciesofBritishColonialrule.AMaoriscout,TeWheke(AnzacWallace),stumblesacrossanativevillagethathasbeendestroyedinaBritishraid.Sinceitisthescout'sownvillage,hedesertstheBritisharmy,thebettertoseek"utu."LeadingavigilanteforceconsistingofhisfellowMaoris,TeWhekekillsasmanyBritishsettlersashecangethishandson.ThefeverishconvictionofhiscrusadeisinstarkcontrasttotheattitudesoftheBritish,whoseemmoreconcernedwithmaterialpossessionsthanwithhumanbeings.PopulardownunderstarBrunoLawrenceiscastasavengeance-drivensettlerwhomakesithispersonalmissioninlifetoendTeWheke'sreignofterror.~HalErickson,Rovi





