"From the author of Whale Rider, the screenwriter of Master and Commander and the producer and director of Once Were Warriors comes a profound and enduring tale of rural family life."
1960s, East Coast of New Zealand. Two Māori sheep-shearing families, the Mahanas and the Poatas, are longstanding enemies and commercial rivals. 14-year-old Simeon Mahana, the youngest son of the youngest son is in conflict with his traditionalist grandfather, Tamihana. As Simeon unravels the truth behind the longstanding family vendetta he risks not just his own future prospects but the cohesion of the entire tight-knit society.
Grandfather Tamihana Mahana
Simeon Mahana
Ramona Mahana
Rupeni Poata
Joshua Mahana
Huria Mahana
Gloria Mahana
Hope Mahana
Faith Mahana
Pani
Miriam Mahana
Mohi
Aunt Saphora
Aunt Ruth
Poppy Poata
Caesar Poata
Hone
Maatiu
Mihaera Poata
Mr. McKenzie
Dr. Gillespie
Pupil
Judge Hughes
Defence Lawyer
Prosecution Lawyer
Clerk Simpson
Minister
Paramount Chief
Manuhiri Chief
Cinema Usher
Golden Shears Commentator
Golden Shears Announcer
Zelda
Doorman
Young Collins
Mr. Mervyn Williams
Cinema Projectionist
Josh
Jitesh Mahana
Ben Wade (archive footage)
Dan Evans (archive footage)