HIFF review: ‘Mt. Zion’

October 9, 2013

Ed Morita,

It would not be HIFF if there wasn’t a Tamuera Morrison film. Screening at this year’s Hawaii International Film Festival is the period film, “Mt. Zion.”

Although playing a supporting roll in this film, Morrison’s presence is still felt throughout the film.

Known for his memorable rolls in “Once Were Warriors” and last year’s slasher comedy “Fresh Meat,” Morrison puts forth a nuanced performance as the working class father of Turei, played by Australian Idol winner Stan Walker.

Set in 1979, father and son work a potato farm in Pukekohe, New Zealand.

Though his father is well respected for the work he does to provide for both his family and the community, Turei has loftier dreams beyond the water tower he and his friends have dubbed “Mt. Zion.”

It is interesting to see what retro looks like from the perspective of another country. The hair is just as big and neon colored clothing just as loud, which offers a stark contrast to the rural life of the potato farm from which Turei yearns to escape.

Turei’s opportunity comes in the form of a contest to find a local opening act for Bob Marley’s New Zealand tour.

Along the way, Turei is forced to make hard decisions, many of which put him in direct opposition of his Maori upbringing.

“Mt. Zion” proves to be a great vehicle to display Walker’s talent that won him Australian Idol.

Interspersed throughout the film are several great Bob Marley inspired performances by Walker that will leave you thinking, “where did that come from,” which is the same reaction the characters in the film have whenever Turei takes the stage.