#SilverScreenBlack reviews: 'Utu' (1983)

(1hr 47mins)

⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2

I Saw The Devil: An enlisted Māori soldier loses his loved ones in a British massacre, and begins settling a blood debt against his old regiment.

👍Four barrels:
A startling story incredibly well told. It's a film full of conflict, as the blood and mayhem rises unrelentingly, and the incredible cast begin questioning their actions and allegiances.
The New York Times described it as "Mingling history, anthropology, adventure and parable... [and] another testament to the vigor of film-making in New Zealand."

👎No piano:
151 years later, and the themes of racism, injustice and poverty still remain as relevant.

📽️Favourite scene:
The military court in the forest, where everyone has a reason to shoot Te Whiti, but who will pull the trigger?...

🥇Best quote:
COL. ELLIOT: "You speak French? You haven't been to France, have you?"
WIREMU: "I speak English. I've never been to England."

🙁Best depressing quote:
"I think my ambition escaped with the prisoner. Now I am part of Napoleon's retreat."

⏳Best lockdown quote:
"Aye, sometimes I'm mad. Sometimes I'm not."





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