The Dead Lands

NZ release: 30 October 2014

Graphic violence Rated on: 03 August 2014

dead lands

What’s it about?

A rangatahi Māori named Hongi embarks on a journey into forbidden lands, where he joins forces with a mysterious warrior to avenge his father's death and bring peace to his people's spirits.

The facts

  • Directed by Toa Fraser
  • Stars Te Kohe Tuhaka, James Rolleston, Lawrence Makoare, Darneen Christian
  • Māori language
  • Runtime: 103 minutes

Why did it get this rating?

This film was classified by Te Mana Whakaatu, Classification Office. You can find out more about classification process and ratings here.

Graphic violence

This film includes graphic violence and cruelty, with fight scenes between tribes that result in serious physical injuries to characters and in some cases death.

Characters are stabbed with blunt weapons including taiaha or mere – loud cracking noises can be heard, and some blood detail is shown.

Some of the strongest moments of violence include:

  • The beheading of a character
  • A male character breaks a female character’s neck
  • A character hacks at a dead man’s arm

Cannibalism is discussed and is shown in detail in two scenes, one involving characters drinking blood from someone’s throat.

When content stays with you:

We all have our boundaries, and it’s completely okay if something you’ve watched is weighing on your mind. If certain content lingers with you, consider having a chat with friends or whānau to debrief about what you’ve just seen. But if you’re still feeling affected, please reach out to any of the following helplines for support.

Further information

Recent featured decisions

25 July 2025

Violence

Whilst navigating their roles as superheroes and their newfound family bond, the Fantastic Four must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer.

Read more

17 July 2025

Graphic violence

Set in Yosemite National Park, Special Agent Kyle Turner and rookie Ranger Naya Vasquez investigate the suspicious death of a woman who was discovered after she fell from the summit of El Capitan and became tangled in the safety ropes of two climbers below. As the case unfolds, buried secrets and personal trauma come to the surface.

Read more