Grasscutter, The - 1988
Finlayson Brewer Productions - 105 min.
DVD UPC # 5060090300775
Cast: Ian McElhinney, Marshall Napier, Judy McIntosh, Martin Maguire, Mitchell Manuel, Terence Cooper, Frances Barber, Temuera Morrison.
Screenplay: Roy Mitchell; Production Design: Robert Gillies; Directors of Photography: Matt Bowkett, Michael O'Connor; Editor: Patrick Monaghan; Music: Don McGlashan, Wayne Laird; Producer: Tom Finlayson; Director: Ian Mune.
An Ulster Volunteer Force vigilante, turned police informer, is sent by the British government to New Zealand to start a new life, leaving behind his eldest son. Although his wife, and two young boys, are also in New Zealand, they are no longer together, and he has a new love interest. After some eight years his past catches up with him when former comrades show up, intent on extracting revenge. After two nearly successful attempts by them (in Dunedin), the action moves to a final confrontation and shootout in the hills above Queenstown. This is an action-thriller, not a historical drama, but interestingly written, although sometimes a bit difficult to follow. Surprise ending. Recommended.
Censor Rating: RP 13 - Review rating: B-