A Māori Historical Epic ‘Struggle Without End’
by Tito W. James
Based on the book by Ranginui Walker, Struggle Without End is an epic coming-of-age film, set in the Māori – Colonial wars of the 1860s. We follow Haki, a mixed-race, boy-soldier who is captured by Māori resistance forces preparing a last desperate stand against the might of the British Imperial Army. Held as a sacrifice, Haki’s days are numbered until he befriends and is saved by Kōpū, a teenage girl who is a reluctant medium for a war god.
I’m glad we’re finally getting more indigenous stories being told authentically. Struggle Without End has the visceral and emotional qualities of all great period pieces. The characters and environments are simply breathtaking. I look forward seeing even more films from the Māori perspective in the future.
