Review of The Dead Lands (2014) by Robert B — 22 Apr 2015

Think Apocalypto on a much smaller scale, and not nearly as good, but The Dead Lands has some zip in it's crazed step. Maori culture is rooted deep in their superstitions, and the central conflict in this film showcases that.

The fight choreography is impressive, albeit hard to distinguish, with the editing becoming bothersome on occasion. Director Tao Fraser has clearly been influenced by the likes of The Raid and it's terrific sequel.

I enjoyed the action even If the heavy spiritual jargon and tongue flailing machismo pushed the envelope of my patience. The setting is beautiful, one can easily see why the land inspires myth and legend.

The unique context aside, this is your basic coming of age/ revenge tale, and for the most part it's a good one.