Tracker (2010)

Films like this don't seem to garner much favor by IMDb viewers, judging by this one's low score as I write this. I think that has to do with pacing and the fact that this isn't an action film per se, but more of a psychological cat and mouse game between the two protagonists. This was my first look at Ray Winstone and Temuera Morrison, and I thought both acquitted themselves well throughout their challenging ordeal. Arjan van Diemen (Winstone) eventually comes to respect and trust the man who's accused of murder (Morrison), and decides to thwart the posse dead set to capture him.The one thing you have to overlook though, is how any human being can withstand the brutal punishment both men suffered during their physical bouts against each other, and the rugged terrain they encountered while tumbling down hillsides and getting thrown around in bruising rapids. Stuff like that is never properly addressed, and you have to take it on faith that bodies were built to handle that kind of abuse.I will say that seeing how Kereama survived was more of a twist than the one with van Diemen mutilating himself to save the Maori. After the fact one might question how he hid the disfigurement from the rest of the posse, but it did make for a story resolution that cemented Arjan's admiration for a man who's honor and life was at stake, and who could have killed him at various times during the chase, but didn't. Well done and nicely filmed.

You should watch this. Don't read anything more about it needing nothing more than an excellent opportunity to experience another life in highly plausible reality believably. In ways a slow starter, keep it in forefront and appreciate subtle detailing throughout vs occasional and arbitrary emphasis. Appreciate the art of man-tracking and the skills necessary minimalist survival is merely uncomfortable. Anticipate multi-individual characters developing and can't remember when last guessed what will happen next, and was right. Be in that other time where we as a people came from and experience dynamics that develop legends and young people's heroes. Who would you be 100 yrs ago?

Boer War veteran Arjan Van Diemen (Ray Winstone), an Afrikaner who has lost everything at the hands of the British, including his family and farm, lands in New Zealand. A superb tracker and thorn in the side of the British during the war, Van Diemen nevertheless is facing an uncertain future. Ironically, he accepts an offer from former foe Major Pritchard Carlysle (Gareth Reeves) to help hunt down and apprehend a fugitive Maori sailor (Temuera Morrison) who has been accused of murder. Venturing deep into the dominion from the coast, Arjan soon finds himself struggling with not only a formidable quarry, but also his own conscience.Somewhat overlooked upon release and since, Tracker really does deserve a more elevated status. With a well written script and to the point story line, the film quickly demand the viewer's attention. The characters are well fleshed out, with interesting and sympathetic back stories. Veteran director Ian Sharp handles the tale very well indeed, showing strong technical ability and a polished style but without the need for flashy gimmicks or pointless editing. Crucially, he lets the story flow seamlessly and brings out the best in his talented cast.Performances are truly excellent throughout, with both Winstone and Morrison utilising their considerable screen presences to great effect without ever becoming overbearing. Winstone, a truly underrated actor in my opinion, brings Van Diemen's inner turmoil and sorrow subtly home, as well as providing a convincingly thick Afrikaans accent. Morrison is equally as good as a man beset by his own demons, eliciting sympathy and respect without overacting. The leads are well supported by the rest of the cast, with Reeves as the respectful Major and Andy Anderson as local tracker Bryce being particular highlights.Of course, the other star of the show is the wonderful New Zealand scenery. The locations are quite simply breathtaking. Harvey Harrison's cinematography is extraordinary well judged, with each scene set against tremendous backdrops that give Tracker a look and feel like few other movies. Mixed with subtle post-production, you quickly find yourself eagerly awaiting the next stunning location.The only real criticism to make is that the story arc is sometimes predictable, however this is a minor quibble as Tracker is an exceptionally well made and beautifully shot piece of work. Add in it's splendid performances and you have a truly absorbing, well told and refreshingly unpretentious dramatic adventure that deserves to find itself a greater audience.

Having been promised a movie like 'The Fugitive' on the DVD cover, I was not disappointed with this low budget action thriller set in early 20th century New Zealand. The film was a sequence by sequence, parallel to the vastly superior Fugitive, yet still kept me entertained. The film even has a replica fugitive jumping vast distance into the water, not pulling the impact of the fugitive, but still extremely entertaining to see Dr. Hone Ropata stick out his tongue as he falls.The acting in the film is generally very good. Ray Winstone pulls a great South African accent, occasionally a little rough to understand but constantly a believable and understandable effort. Gareth Reeves also stands out as an exceptional English soldier, standing up amongst the great of Winstone and cementing his nature of a chameleon actor. Mark Mitchinson also stands out as truly despicable villain, a archetypical antagonist, who unfortunately does not give a satisfying conclusion to his arc in the story. The only lowlight in this stellar cast is unfortunately, the usually very talented Temuera Morrison. His lackluster performance is way behind his past standouts as Hone Ropata, Jake the Muss and Jango Fett, making his apparently intimidating character seem vastly inferior and weak standing next to the wonderful Winstone. When emotional scenes are called upon, Morrison seems to shout in a grisly voice, instead of actually acting and it is hard to sympathize for the character without feelings of melodrama seeping in, with only the well written script being an indication of how the viewer should feel.The film is superbly directed, with every establishing shot a wonderfully beautiful shot of New Zealand landscapes, putting across the setting and giving viewers an idea of the characters anguish and backstory. At times the audio is hard to understand but generally the film is well edited and enjoyable to view. The direction is great and the film, though nothing compared to the Fugitive, is a enjoyable watch.