The Convert (2023)
Genre: Action, Drama
Director: Lee Tamahori
Stars: Guy Pearce, Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne, Antonio Te Maioha, Jacqueline McKenzie, Lawrence Makoare
Plot: 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.
* * *
(rain pattering)
(ominous music playing)
(thunder rumbling)
(mystical chanting)
(birds chirping)
(bird squawks)
(bird squawks in distance)
(wind howling)
(thunder rumbling)
(horse neighing)
Man 1: Get off the steps!
(horse neighing)
(horse neighing in distance)
(Man 1 yelling indistinctly)
(grunts, groans)
Man 1: (yelling) The topgallant’s broken!
(horse neighing)
(horse neighing)
Whoa, boy. Whoa. Whoa.
(grunts) Oh.
Man 2: Easy now. Easy now. Put him down here.
(speaks indistinctly)
(thunder rumbling)
Stay below, Munro!
(grunts, splutters)
(breathes heavily)
Kedgley: Gather round.
(clears throat) I must confess, uh…
I did not know Mr. Ridley well, but, uh, the, uh… (clears throat) …the death of any man is a sorrow to be mourned.
Mr. Munro…
perhaps you might like to offer a benediction.
Only those who have been at sea… truly grasp the enormity of this world.
The immense nature of its vast distances.
It is a frightening thing to be made so… closely aware of one’s own insignificance.
Most men would flinch from this knowledge.
And yet, we are so compelled, we hurl ourselves into the vacant spaces of this profound Earth…
(ominous music playing)
…knowing, even as we do, that… one day… at some unforeseen hour… a great price may be demanded of us.
Commend now his everlasting soul in the name of Jesus Christ, our savior.
Amen.
All: Amen.
Loose the main sail.
Stand by to bear away.
Stand by to bear away!
(music fades)
(knocking on door)
Come in.
A worthy eulogy for a sailor lost far from home, Mr. Munro.
Thank you.
Your words and actions speak of a man who has seen something of the world.
I’m from a family of shipbuilders.
And now you’re a minister.
A lay minister. (sighs softly) We lead by example.
Adam Smith.
Munro: Yes.
A man of God who reads of a mercantile world.
Well, you’ve come to the right place, Reverend.
There’s money to be made in these outcast corners.
Your new parishioners have staked their lives on it.
(scoffs)
That boy’s royalty, believe it or not.
Son of one of the paramount chiefs.
His father bade me to teach him seacraft.
Uenuku.
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) Mr. Farrell, give the lad the wheel.
Uenuku, take us three points to starboard.
Ease her as she pitches.
Very good.
You should be happy, Farrell,
you need never rise before noon again.
(all laugh)
Kedgley: All right, that’s enough.
Man: Land ho!
Kedgley: Aye.
Your new home, Mr. Munro.
Never was perdition so pleasing to the eye.
Are there Maoris in this area?
They’re everywhere.
Even when you can’t see them, they’re there.
Kedgley: Where’s the nearest safe anchorage?
Uenuku? That bay?
No. That one.
Waikura.
All right, lads, we’ll go ashore,
find some timber, replace the topgallant.
Go, lads!
(all grunt)
Kedgley: Heave!
(all grunt)
Well, would you look at that!
That’s it, boy. (breathes heavily)
That’s it, boy. Keep going. (grunts)
Good boy.
You are a lot more entertaining than my usual cargo, Munro.
(all laugh)
There’s not half
as many surprises in a sack of flour.
(all laugh)
Yes, quite.
Kedgley: Splendid.
(all laugh)
(tranquil music playing)
Ya!
All right, lads, the show’s over.
Come on. One, two, three!
(all grunt)
Ya!
Yes!
(music fades)
(birds squawking, chirping)
Uenuku: Munro, what is that?
It’s called a sketch. And sometimes a portrait.
What is this?
He rei-puta.
A whale tooth.
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) It’s the voice of my father’s god.
I’m named for this god.
Uenuku-kai-tangata.
Ah.
Admirable.
And… and this?
Toku whakapapa.
It’s my story.
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) The story of my life…
so far.
(bird shrieks)
All right, lads. Keep your wits about you.
We’re here to get timber, not cause trouble.
(ominous music playing)
(leaves rustling)
(birds warbling)
It’s all right.
Where the hell has he got to?
All right, lads, with me. Come on.
(horse whinnies)
(music fades)
(Man speaking Maori)
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) It’s all right. That’s enough.
Kedgley: Everything alright, Mr. Munro?
I think so.
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) I asked him to forgive your trespass.
You meant no disrespect.
Thank you.
You can’t trade with people you can’t talk to.
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) And that we need wood for repairs.
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) He wants the horse as payment for the trees.
Boyd, give him the axe.
Go on, lad.
There. All friends again.
We should be ready to sail by tomorrow morning.
I’m thinking I would like to camp here until then.
(scoffs) Oh, no, no.
Captain, it’s been a long journey.
I need to feel some earth beneath my feet.
If I’m to live in this country, I must acquaint myself with it.
I was charged to deliver you to Epworth.
And you shall.
But firstly, please, permit me this furlough.
All right.
I’ll leave Uenuku with you.
Good.
Where is he?
Harris, where’s the boy?
Sir?
The lad. Where is he?
Uenuku! (echoes)
Uenuku! (echoes)
(tranquil music playing)
(birds chirping)
(horse snorts)
(sighs)
(birds chirping)
(horse snorts)
(breathes deeply)
(sighs)
(music fades)
(breathes deeply)
(ominous music playing)
(Woman yelling, screaming in distance)
(screaming intensifies)
(gunshots)
(indistinct clamor)
(gasps)
(horse whinnies)
(all grunt, groan)
Fetch the muskets.
I’m not going into that.
If we don’t get him to Epworth, we don’t get paid.
(whinnies)
Whoa! Whoa!
(grunts)
(both grunt)
(grunts)
Hey!
(grunts)
(speaks in Maori)
(speaks in Maori)
(grunts)
(speaking Maori)
(indistinct chatter)
(in English) What do you want here?
(breathes heavily) I ask that you spare
the lives of these people.
(Rangimai panting)
Akatarewa: These are my people from these lands, not yours.
They are nothing to you.
I ask that you… you show them mercy.
You are English.
Your king is George.
King William now.
George is dead?
Yes.
(speaks in Maori)
(breathes deeply)
(Akatarewa speaking Maori)
(in English) I sat at his table.
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) We come in peace.
Ketere.
My son learned much from you.
Kedgley: It was an honor.
This man is my cargo.
I must deliver him to Epworth.
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) In a sense.
Hmm. Very well.
Go now.
What about these people?
And what will you trade
for them?
My horse.
My horse for their lives.
One horse, one life.
Choose.
I can…
I cannot make that choice.
(chuckles)
Please.
(grunts, groans)
(screams, sobs)
Let’s go. Now.
(sobs)
(shrieks, breathes heavily)
(speaks in Maori)
(both speak in Maori)
(in English) Let’s go. Now, go!
(Akatarewa commands in Maori)
(Men grunt, scream)
(music fades)
Munro: (faintly) To hell with this, Mr. Kedgley.
She can have my cabin.
(Kedgley speaking indistinctly)
(indistinct chatter)
Munro: Come below.
You must not stay up here.
Come. Please.
Please. You need shelter.
Kedgley: Stand by to make sail.
You may rest in here,
and… and sleep.
(Rangimai shudders)
(sniffles)
What are you doing?
No, no, no. Please, please, please don’t.
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) I’m sorry.
I’m sorry.
I will find you some food.
And some water.
(sniffles)
(pensive music playing)
Crewmember: That’s it. Up, together.
Mr. Munro.
Horace Beauchamp.
Welcome to Epworth.
Munro: Thank you.
(indistinct chatter)
Her husband was killed.
I have taken her into my care.
Ah, she’s fortunate indeed.
Follow me and I’ll show you to your lodgings.
Good luck, Mr. Munro.
If you’ve come here to rinse souls for Jesus,
you’re going to be busy.
Crewmember: Help here, Mr. Goldsworth.
(indistinct chatter)
Horace: Here we are, Mr. Munro.
Thank you, Mr. Beauchamp.
You’re very welcome.
I’ll leave you to attend to your ward.
(music fades)
(birds chirping)
Please.
(Rangimai chanting mournfully in Maori)
(chanting continues)
(birds squawking)
(breathes deeply)
(grunts)
(sighs)
(birds chirping)
(indistinct chatter)
Woman: Morning!
(horses neighing)
Man: Yeah, give me a hand over here, yeah.
And behold, ye are this day, as the stars of heaven…
Mr. Munro,
what a pleasure to find you already hard at work.
Reginald de Buin.
We’ve corresponded.
Yes, of course.
How do you do?
Not exactly Saint Paul’s, but you’ll make something of it.
I shall do my best.
Would you care to join us tonight for dinner?
That is most kind.
(Rangimai shuddering)
Munro: Are you unwell?
(sobs, shudders)
Oh.
(Rangimai shudders)
Sorry.
(Rangimai shudders)
It’s all right.
(indistinct chatter)
What part of the south are you from, Mr. Munro?
The southeast coast, Hastings, but I mostly grew up in London.
Hmm.
My father was a shipwright
and wanted to make his name in the capital.
Well, did he?
No, he slowly murdered himself with drink.
Oh.
And what do you make of Epworth, sir?
Munro: Mm.
It feels a little like a sculpture
in its early stages.
Its true form not yet emerged from the stone.
(all chuckle softly)
Beautifully put, sir.
Everything is in place.
The land is rich.
The opportunity is immeasurable.
Indeed, even if it seems somewhat precarious at times.
The land we’re on, we rent from a local chieftain,
paid for with the help of a subsidy from the Crown.
And do you have good relations with your landlord?
Maianui?
Well, so far. The threat’s not from him.
(scoffs) There are reports of a warlord out there.
A thorough savage.
He’s been launching assaults against other tribes
and claiming their lands.
Would that be A… Akatarewa?
You know of him?
I have encountered him personally, yes.
The young woman I brought to Epworth,
her husband was slaughtered at his orders.
Along with many of their tribe.
Horace: When?
Two days ago.
The Maidenhead stopped in for repairs.
Then it’s true. He’s coming south.
Should Akatarewa move against Maianui,
this colony’s future becomes uncertain, to say the least.
Please, can we speak of something else? (chuckles)
Doctor, as a direct result of that brutal encounter,
the young woman in my care has a wound.
(Woman clears throat)
I’m afraid we have very limited medical supplies,
and my contract is to minister to the physical well-being
of the citizens of Epworth.
As yours is to minister to our spiritual needs, Mr. Munro.
(Woman clears throat)
Goodnight.
Goodnight.
Good evening, doctor.
My father would not thank me for telling you this,
but there is someone who might help you, Mr. Munro.
(mellow music playing)
Munro: Mrs. Hegarty?
(indistinct moaning)
(knocking on door)
Mrs. Hegarty, my name is Thomas Munro.
Excuse me for appearing at this late hour.
I have a young… I…
(moaning continues)
I have a young woman in my care,
a young Maori woman.
I was told you could perhaps help me.
Is she not well?
She has a wound which I fear may be infected.
(moaning continues)
You must leave.
(footsteps approach)
(knocking on door)
(music fades)
Mrs. Hegarty, thank you. Please, she’s here.
What’s she doing here?
Her husband was killed two days ago
and she was wounded.
Here.
She’s been grief stricken.
She also injured herself, sort of scratching herself.
Yes, it’s kiri haehae. It’s a grieving ritual.
Right.
This is Rangimai, of Ngati Hau.
You know her?
Could you build the fire up, please?
I’ve applied a poultice to draw the infection.
If I’m not here,
you must insist that she drink this.
I can certainly try,
but she’s not been taking anything directly from me.
Well, she’s in mourning, but you tell her it’s kawakawa.
Kawa kawa?
Kawakawa.
It’s also in the poultice, with some pia manuka.
Pearmanuko? Pia manuka.
(tranquil music playing)
(recites Maori incantation)
(music fades)
(speaks in Maori)
(horse whinnies)
(sighs)
(bell rings)
(indistinct chatter)
(in English) Stay there.
Man: Stay inside.
(foreboding music playing)
(indistinct chatter)
(Rangimai chanting)
(Tribesmen chanting)
That’s her father,
Maianui.
(speaks in Maori)
(speaks in Maori)
(sobs)
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) He gives her comfort.
(indistinct chatter)
Akatarewa’s men.
(grunts)
(music fades)
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) She looks for her husband’s killer.
(grunts)
(all groan)
Rangimai!
Munro, don’t.
(all groans)
(speaks in Maori)
(speaks in Maori)
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) What did he say?
He wants Rangimai to stay here and be tutored by you.
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) He’s leaving one of his men
to protect her.
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) You are clearly held in some respect by him.
By Maianui, aye.
But not by these fine citizens.
(ominous music playing)
(music fades)
(Rangimai chanting indistinctly)
(Rangimai calls out in Maori)
Time to open for business.
(indistinct chatter)
Munro: Let us begin with a hymn, “How Firm A Foundation.”
(congregation singing) ♪ How firm a foundation ♪
♪ Ye Saints of the Lord ♪
♪ Is laid for your faith ♪
♪ In His excellent word ♪
♪ What more can He say ♪
♪ Than to you He hath said ♪
♪ Who unto the Savior ♪
♪ Who unto the Savior ♪
♪ Who unto the Savior ♪
♪ For refuge have fled ♪
(bell ringing)
Excellent job, Reverend.
Munro: Thank you.
There’s a fierce power to those old hymnals.
The weight of a whole civilization.
Are your lodgings satisfactory?
They are, yes. Very good.
Should you require anything, come directly to me.
My door is always open.
Unlike yours, Doctor.
(chuckles)
(indistinct chatter)
Mr. Munro.
How do you do, Mrs. Beauchamp?
Very well, thank you.
Dance.
Dance?
Munro: Top of the morning to you, Mr. Padgett.
Morning.
Munro: Half a dozen eggs, if I may.
I’ve not seen you at Chapel lately.
And nor will you. I’m of the true faith,
not the travesty you preside over.
(chuckles) I think you’ll find
my interpretation of the gospel…
I care not for your interpretation
of the Bible, Mr. Munro.
Nor am I interested in anyone else’s opinion
in this God-forsaken hole.
He promised us opportunity here.
Told us this was some kind of paradise.
A popular word.
Inevitably a misleading one.
It’s a trap, is what it is.
We’re thousands of miles from civilization,
clinging to a scrapper beach,
surrounded by savages of the most barbaric kind.
How else can this end, do you think?
Except in fire and blood.
And yet you seem to be doing well.
Padgett: Mark my words,
every coin I make goes towards a passage home.
(chirping)
(tranquil music playing)
(both whistle)
Rangimai, look.
See all the trees?
They’re dancing together in the wind.
Dancing?
Charlotte: Aye.
Look.
(whispers) Dancing.
(laughs)
Rangimai: Dancing.
Dancing.
A-dunk, a-dunk, a-dunk, a-dunk, a-dunk, a-dunk, a-dunk. Chin up.
(exclaims) A-kata dida dida.
A-dida dida-dida…
(both laugh)
Ba dida da…
And around this way. Two, three, four…
One, two… Didi didi didoo…
(both laugh)
Dancing.
A-da di-da di-da.
A-ta ri-ta ta-ta…
(laughs)
(Baby coos)
And what is the name of this child?
Edward Edgar.
Edward Edgar Wallant.
Oh! (grunts)
(Child babbles)
Munro: For you, Jesus Christ came into this world.
For you, he died.
And for you, he conquered death.
(Baby crying)
(door opens)
Mr. Munro,
out there, what you do is your own business,
but not within these walls.
We worship an almighty God, they pray to leaves and twigs.
Surely if we are to live alongside them,
we must involve them…
Some differences may be
too vast to be reconciled.
Good day, sir.
(ominous music playing)
(indistinct chatter)
(sheep bleating)
(Man speaking indistinctly)
(Children laugh)
Man: Children.
(music fades)
(mellow music playing)
Woman 1: …can you give me a hand over here?
Woman 2: Coming.
(dog barking in distance)
Would you like to go?
Rangimai: Yes.
Rangimai.
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) Ey?
I want three…
Would like…
I would like three pounds flour.
Like that, is it?
Like what?
I’ll make it perfectly clear. I’m serving you, Mr. Munro.
Why is that?
Because if I sell to the natives,
I’ll be playing into their hands.
You see that new building there?
Beauchamp’s General Store.
They’re trying to drive me out,
but I’ll undercut the bastards, so help me!
(jovial music playing inside)
(indistinct chatter)
Charlotte: And that’s double handed.
(music continues faintly)
Charlotte: So make sure that you lift it up.
All right. Let’s go.
Behold.
Munro: Oh.
Is that the extent of your eloquence, Munro?
The dress is stunning.
You… you look beautiful, Rangimai.
My husband loved this dress.
We’re very grateful.
I take it you will not be joining us tonight?
Have a lovely evening.
Thank you, Mrs. Hegarty.
(speaks in Maori)
(door closes)
(in English) We do not have to stay long.
(jovial music playing)
(all laugh, applaud)
Munro: Good evening, Mrs. Webster.
Mr. Munro.
Rangimai: Dance?
I warn you, I’m not very good.
(music fades)
(all applaud)
(indistinct chatter)
(Men laughing)
(jovial music playing)
(indistinct chatter)
(music fades)
Rangimai, your dancing was splendid.
I would like more.
(laughs)
(dogs barking in distance)
(both laugh)
Uh.
(wails)
(ominous music playing)
(Rangimai sobbing)
(music fades)
(indistinct chatter)
I was under the impression the savages were out there.
Munro!
That an innocent man,
can be set upon and murdered like a dog!
Murdered? Who?
Pahirua.
We must summon a magistrate.
And where might we find this personage?
Strolling in the mountains, taking in the air?
Do you not understand, Munro?
We are alone here.
Far from it, you fool.
Pahirua was here under our care and protection.
(sighs)
You think you can just murder him with impunity?
You can rest assured, Munro, we will hunt down the culprit
with every resource at our disposal.
Horace.
(ominous music playing)
(Rangimai chants mournfully)
(music fades)
(poignant music playing)
We have the culprit.
My sincere condolences.
(music fades)
Munro: Padgett.
(Padgett groans)
(breathes heavily)
I done nothing. Hurt nobody.
(indistinct chatter)
What evidence do you have?
The man confessed.
After you beat the words out of him.
We will hold him till the first ship arrives.
He’ll have his trial in Australia.
(Padgett groans)
(indistinct murmuring)
Horace: Go home.
Woman: Whoa.
(horse snorts)
Can I see him?
(gasps)
(sobs)
Will you be taking him back to his people?
Then take my horse.
Thank you.
(horse snorts)
(birds chirping)
(horse snorts)
There is no need for you to accompany us, Mrs. Hegarty.
At journey’s end, you’ll need my voice.
And you needn’t keep calling me “Mrs. Hegarty”.
Haere. (clicks tongue)
(clears throat)
You should know that
Padgett was found dead in his cell this morning.
So his injuries were fatal?
He hanged himself.
Actions of a guilty man.
A devotee of the Church of Rome?
Suicide condemns him to eternal hell and damnation.
You expect me to believe Padgett would have chosen that?
I expect you to report to Maianui
that justice has been done here on behalf of his people.
I will do no such thing.
You have responsibilities to this community, Munro.
When will you return?
(poignant music playing)
Horace: We paid for your passage out here.
Built you a chapel, a cottage to live in.
Surely it’s not unreasonable to expect you to perform
your duties in return!
Munro!
(music fades)
(speaks in Maori)
Charlotte: (in English) You have a gift.
My mother taught me.
She was gifted.
You mentioned your husband.
He was killed in battle.
I’m sorry.
I don’t mean to intrude.
He was a warrior?
When war comes, they’re all warriors.
And how long did you live among them?
Some years.
But you left?
When my husband died, I had no place.
A pakeha woman alone.
What does this word mean? “Pakeha”?
Well, it might mean “white serpent on the water,”
or it might mean “enemy.”
But it could be a word the Maori heard the whalers
and sealers calling each other.
“Bugger ya.”
(both laugh)
(poignant music playing)
(thunder rumbling)
(horse neighs, snorts)
(speaks in Maori)
(horse snorts)
Whoa.
Rangimai: Haere mai.
(Man yelling)
(Warrior grunts)
(Woman chanting in Maori)
(Man yells)
(Women chant)
(Men chant)
(all chanting)
(music fades)
Munro: (in English) Great Maianui…
I have come here
because I feel responsible
for what has happened to Pahirua.
(speaks in Maori)
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) He says, “Don’t be saddened.
You saved my daughter’s life.”
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) “What should I do with the people of Epworth?”
“Who should I kill?”
They… they pay you, do they not,
to occupy the land?
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) Aye.
Perhaps you could raise their rent.
(Charlotte speaking Maori)
(grunts)
(indistinct chatter)
(tranquil music playing)
(chopping sounds)
(music fades)
You know, that’s how they got here.
In a fleet of giant canoes, just navigating by the stars.
Wondrous.
And the green stone they’re using,
what is that? Jade?
Yes. They call it “pounamu.”
It’s highly prized. They’ve got many uses.
Tools and weapons and adornments.
The Maori believe that it takes on
the spiritual power of the… the wearer,
and that increases from generation to generation.
So this is my daughter’s.
And your daughter’s name?
Mahora.
(Men speaking indistinctly in Maori)
(gunshots)
(dogs barking in distance)
Hmm.
(speaks in Maori)
(gunshots)
(birds chirping)
(gunshots)
(in English) Brown Bess.
Bess?
Even here, at the edge of the world.
The British Land Pattern Musket. Flintlock.
There’s a much faster way of loading these.
Hmm?
(ominous music playing)
(dogs barking in distance)
(gunshots in distance)
Munro: Why don’t you try?
(music fades)
(Children sing playfully)
(both laugh)
Haere mai.
Come.
Sit.
(Munro clears throat)
(speaks in Maori)
Charlotte: (in English) “Why did you come here?”
(sighs) What do they want?
(Charlotte speaking Maori)
(speaks Maori)
Charlotte: “You’re hiding something.”
(ominous music playing)
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) “What’s this?”
(stammers) I… I…
(clears throat)
(music fades)
I was a soldier.
(Charlotte speaking Maori)
(in English) In the British Army.
(Charlotte speaking Maori)
(in English) And we…
I led an attack
on what we believed to be an enemy stronghold.
(speaks in Maori)
Munro: (in English) Under strict orders
to not show any mercy.
(Charlotte speaking Maori)
(in English) We charged into thick smoke and confusion.
(Charlotte speaking in Maori)
(in English) We could not fire our muskets because we…
we were unsure who was friend or foe.
(Charlotte speaking Maori)
(in English) We used sword and knife at close quarters,
fighting blind, as it were.
(Charlotte speaking Maori)
(in English) Almost by…
by feel.
(Charlotte speaking Maori)
(in English) I… I slashed and… and stabbed
and I roared like a… like a beast.
(Charlotte speaking Maori)
(in English) If it wasn’t wearing a red tunic,
I’d kill it.
(speaks in Maori)
Munro: (in English) Eventually the…
the smoke cleared and I… I could see what I had…
(Charlotte speaking Maori)
…what I had wrought.
(Charlotte speaking Maori)
(sobs)
(in English) Dead and… and dying…
(Charlotte speaking Maori)
…women and children…
lay all around me…
amongst their warriors.
(Charlotte speaking Maori)
(in English) We… we had attacked a… a school…
(Charlotte speaking Maori)
…where these women and children were…
(Charlotte speaking Maori)
…were seeking refuge.
(Charlotte speaking Maori)
(in English) I left the army. (clears throat)
(Charlotte speaking Maori)
(in English) And for years I… I became a wanderer.
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) I asked… I asked…
God just to strike me down.
(Charlotte speaking Maori)
(in English) But instead, he…
(Charlotte speaking in Maori)
…he sent me here.
(Charlotte speaking in Maori)
(sighs deeply)
(sniffles)
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) “I have killed women and children.”
“Women and children die in war.”
“What matters most
is who wins.”
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) “Munro, do you seek redemption
as a man of peace?”
(sighs)
(speaks in Maori)
(poignant music playing)
(in English) “I pity you.”
“Only blood redeems blood.”
(music fades)
I was transported to Botany Bay,
for stealing flour and yeast.
The Jupiter out of Liverpool.
The crew mutinied,
killed the captain.
All the women were raped
and those who resisted were killed.
We made landfall not far from here,
and the crew, the fools,
they encountered a local hapu.
Just murdered them.
Maianui exacted utu.
The ship was attacked, ransacked and burnt.
And everyone, crew and convicts alike…
killed and eaten.
I was spared because
I had saved a warrior from one of the pigs
who’d oppressed me.
The warrior turned out to be Maianui’s brother.
So I became one of his wives.
And your daughter?
Mahora?
(speaking in Maori)
(grunts)
(indistinct chatter)
I’m sure Akatarewa will come, he’ll make no distinction
between adults, children, men, women.
You fight or you die.
You fight and you die.
(dogs barking in distance)
And he’s of no help.
Kedgley: Oi, lads, come on, with me.
Kedgley!
(laughs) Munro.
I see you’ve broadened the scale of your ministry.
What are you doing? Putting a match to tinder?
If they had no muskets, they’d use spears.
And if they lacked spears, they’d use stones.
It’s all they know.
I don’t believe that.
Well, it doesn’t matter what you believe.
(chuckles) It matters what he believes.
(speaks in Maori)
(speaks in Maori)
(speaks in Maori)
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) Time marches on.
(speaks in Maori)
(speaks in Maori)
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) The rest, we give you, next time.
No, no, no, not next time. You get what you pay for now.
(speaks in Maori)
(both speak in Maori)
(in English) Let me speak with Akatarewa.
This is the path to destruction.
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) These muskets are just the beginning.
(speaks in Maori)
Munro: (in English) It… it’s what they want.
A war with no end, where… where all Maori are destroyed.
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) War is the enemy of peace.
(Charlotte speaking Maori)
(in English) You and Akatarewa must make peace.
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) Otherwise your children will have no future.
(Charlotte speaking Maori)
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) “Why would Akatarewa listen to you?”
Because I was that enemy.
(speaks in Maori)
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) “Go to Akatarewa.”
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) “Convert him to your God of Peace.”
“If you succeed, I’ll follow your god also.”
“If you return alive.”
(ominous music playing)
Maianui is obliged to consider all his options.
Your God of Peace may not deliver.
Can you not find it within yourself
to have a little faith?
I have faith, Munro, in you.
But be careful.
Maianui will always act in the interests of his tribe.
(music fades)
“Beat your ploughshares into swords
and your pruning hooks into spears
and the weak will say, “I am strong.”
Joel, chapter three…
I understand. I understand.
…verse ten. (laughs)
You’re on a fool’s mission, Munro.
It… it cannot be moral to sell guns to people
who have no history or experience with such weapons.
Your man Adam Smith would say that supply will meet demand
and the market will eventually self-regulate.
What market? Who will be left alive?
The most able. That’s the way of the world.
It’s the way of base nature.
Red in tooth and claw.
Well, to your good health, Munro.
May it survive this foolishness.
What are you doing here?
Has anyone seen you?
You see me.
Why are you here?
For Akatarewa, from Maianui.
I shall deliver it to him.
Akatarewa will respect the daughter of Maianui.
Yes, I’ve seen his respect.
(ominous music playing)
Is this Akatarewa’s?
Aye.
Bring it about, Mr. Farrell.
Prepare to drop anchor.
We’re there.
Now, I want you to stay here until I return, out of sight.
Do you understand?
No. I come with you.
No.
My father wishes…
Your father never said anything to me.
This is my mission, my responsibility.
I will not put you at risk.
Look at what happened to your husband.
(music fades)
Kedgley: Uenuku, haere mai!
Munro.
What business have you here?
I seek an audience with your father.
Uenuku: Is this all you have left?
Oh, no, no, there’s plenty more where that came from.
Come.
(pots clattering)
(footsteps approaching)
(ominous music playing)
There you are.
(dogs barking in distance)
Munro.
Kedgley: I wish you luck on your moral crusade.
Thank you.
(music fades)
(speaks in Maori)
(moans, speaks in Maori)
(chuckles)
(in English) I remember what you said to me about mercy.
Am I not merciful?
That woman…
Maianui’s daughter?
Hmm. (chuckles)
She is alive because of my mercy.
(chuckles)
Yes.
Akatarewa: What is your business here?
I have come here today…
Akatarewa: Do you want your horse back? Hmm?
(speaks in Maori)
(all laugh)
(in English) I have come here today to speak to you
on behalf of Maianui.
He wishes you to know that he desires peace.
(chuckles)
He sends these offerings…
as a token of his respect for you.
We will make peace with Maianui…
(chuckles)
…through war.
Peace cannot be achieved through violence.
This is a violent land, steeped in blood.
Like England.
Yes.
You have seen the white man’s world.
You believe you are capable of defeating them.
There will be too many.
Your only chance is to face them as one people.
And what of my enemies?
And their insults? Who will avenge these?
If you kill each other,
you are doing the pakeha’s work for them.
(chuckles)
Perhaps you are utu.
Revenge for the pakeha.
Your death can avenge their crimes.
Beg for your life
and I might show mercy.
I will not.
(sighs, speaks in Maori)
(laughs)
(spits)
Munro, look to your horse.
Harris.
They’re the same as the last lot.
(horse nickers)
You have more?
As many as you can pay for.
That’s 15 pigs per musket.
Fifteen?
Or 200 baskets of potatoes.
Two hundred?
Supply and demand, I’m afraid.
You are right to be afraid, Kedgley.
(gunshot echoes)
(screams) God, no!
(menacing music playing)
(yells)
(breathes heavily)
(all grunt, groan)
(indistinct clamor)
Oh, God.
(both men grunting)
(horse whinnies)
Come with me.
(Men yelling)
(Men grunting)
(grunts)
(yells in Maori)
(others roar)
(chants in Maori)
(chants in Maori)
When you were hiding on the ship,
when you stowed away,
was that always about revenge for your husband?
Utu.
“Utu” what is that?
(speaking in Maori)
Revenge, death…
(tranquil music playing)
…go hand in hand.
You could have been killed.
(ominous music playing)
(speaks in Maori)
(speaks in Maori)
(music fades)
(in English) Tell him about the ship.
It can carry many warriors.
(speaks in Maori)
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) “I have defeated many with few before.”
This ship has cannon and mortar.
You will be overwhelmed.
So… we die…
as warriors.
You should both leave.
Wait.
We stand with Ngati Hau.
(speaks in Maori)
(in English) A rahui has been lifted.
I have been welcomed back into the hapu.
You also.
(Maianui chanting in Maori)
(chanting in Maori)
(chanting in Maori)
(chanting in Maori)
(chanting in Maori)
(chanting in Maori)
(Maianui chanting in Maori)
(yells in Maori)
(yells in Maori)
(Warriors performing Haka)
(ferocious roaring)
(thunder rumbling)
(yells in Maori)
(Warriors performing Haka)
(shouts orders in Maori)
(shushes)
Munro? (speaking in Maori)
(screams)
(roaring)
(shouting orders in Maori)
(speaking Maori)
(Girl whimpers)
Charlotte: Shh.
Shh, shh, shh, shh.
(all yelling)
(yells in Maori)
(all coughing)
(grunts)
(groans)
(grunts)
(grunts)
(grunts)
(yells in Maori)
(Charlotte speaking in Maori)
(in English) Here.
(growls)
(Charlotte gasps)
Charlotte.
(Charlotte whimpers)
Charlotte.
(grunts)
(grunts)
Munro!
(grunting)
Munro!
(speaks in Maori)
(breathes deeply)
(gunshots)
(grunting)
(yelling)
(breathes swiftly)
(speaks in Maori)
(speaks in Maori)
(exhales)
(speaking Maori)
(grunts)
(groans)
(speaking in Maori)
(Aorangi chants in Maori)
(bird screeching)
De Buin: (in English) May I present Uenuku from Ngati Ruapu.
His Majesty’s Representative, William Cornwall.
Cornwall: Sir.
Allow me to present my wife,
Rangimai of Ngati Hau.
Madam.
And our counsel, Mr. Thomas Munro.
Munro.
(Cornwall clears throat)
His Majesty is aware of your tribe’s sterling support of Epworth, and also of the burgeoning trade routes you have set in place up and down this coast.
His Majesty wishes me to offer you his admiration for your enterprise.
Thank you.
Until now, this trade has taken place without oversight by His Majesty.
This meeting is to give you fair warning that situation is about to change.
His Majesty intends to establish a Customs and Excise post here in Epworth which will oversee trade in and out of this location.
You may tax trade between pakeha any way you see fit.
But what has that to do with us?
Customs and Excise must apply to all trade.
Rangimai: The King has said this?
I speak for the King.
But your king has no standing here.
This land belongs to Ngati Hau.
It has been theirs for generations.
They are willing to negotiate.
First and foremost, would be the rental to be paid by His Majesty if and when he does establish a Customs and Excise post here.
What?
We look forward to further discussion.
Good day, Mr. Cornwall.
Cornwall: Munro?
What on Earth has befallen you, man?
What have you done to your face?
(speaking Maori)
(in English) My story.
(speaking Maori)
(in English) The story of my life… so far.
(Baby fusses)
Yes. (speaks in Maori)
(in English) Well done.
(tranquil music playing)
