Crooked Earth

Synopsis

Crooked Earth is an explosive, action-packed saga in which two brothers battle over the future of their people.
Sam Pillsbury directed this modern-day wild frontier story of rebellion, passion and survival.

Will Bastion (Temuera Morrison), a strong, thoughtful man, returns from 20 years service in the New Zealand Army to Raukura, his hometown, to face the biggest challenge of his life. His father has died, leaving a sacred greenstone patu, the symbol of leadership, to him. He doesnt want it, believing it represents the violence he has turned his back on.

Looking for peace and quiet after the horror of the East Timor War, Will finds no escape from the ravages of the modern world. His family is torn apart, the community an unrecognisable battlefield. They look to him for rescue.

In Wills absence, his brother, the charismatic firebrand Kahu (Lawrence Makoare) has turned the village into a lawless dope-growing wasteland. His gang of local toughs trade with even tougher criminals from the city, led by the slick Timo (Stan Wolfgramm). Riding hard and fast on horseback through the night, brandishing flaming torches, the gang intimidates and punishes anyone in their way. Kahu takes the greenstone patu literally, using its force to club the world into submission.

Will, having seen real war, cannot tolerate Kahus violence, but is a reluctant saviour.

Will must also deal with his estranged 17-year-old daughter, Ripeka (Jaime Passier-Armstrong), who arrives from the city seeking her Maori roots. She falls for a young daredevil dope grower, Api (Quinton Hita), provoking Will to an emotional showdown.

Wills former fiancee, Marama (Nancy Brunning) sees that he needs time to grow into his difficult heritage. She teaches him the history of stolen land which underlies the communitys problems, and pleads with him to save his people.

When Will finds a stash of stolen guns and realises Kahu is involved in murder, he knows he must act to restore peace. In a tense, explosive battle finale, Will proves that his army experience is more than a match for Kahus self-taught thugs.

Its brother against brother in a flaming inferno of loyalty, betrayal, love and honour.

For information about this movie or any other New Zealand film please go to the New Zealand Film Commission