Utu
Synopsis
In New Zealand in the 1860s the native Māori people fought the British colonials to keep the land guaranteed to them by treaty. The warrior Te Wheke fights for the British until betrayal leads him to seek utu (revenge). The settler Williamson in turn seeks revenge after Te Wheke attacks his homestead. Meanwhile Wiremu, an officer for the British, seems to think that resistance is futile.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
UTU Redux Trailer
Type: Trailer • Published 2013-06-27
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →
Anzac Wallace
Te Wheke
Bruno Lawrence
Williamson
Tim Elliott
Col. Elliot
Kelly Johnson
Lt. Scott
Wi Kuki Kaa
Wiremu
Ilona Rodgers
Emily
Merata Mita
Matu
Faenza Reuben
Hersare
John Bach
Belcher
Tom Poata
Puni
Tania Bristowe
Kura
Martyn Sanderson
Vicar
Dick Puanaki
Eru
Sean Duffy
Cpl. Jones
Ian Watkin
Doorman
John Malcolm
Tatooist
Connie Gilbert
Woman By Fire
George Waaka
James
Release History & Theatrical Window
Cannes Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
September 13, 1984
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Geoff Murphy
- Screenplay & Story
- Geoff Murphy, Keith Aberdein
- Original Score
- John Charles
- Original Title
- Utu
- Country of Origin
- New Zealand
- Spoken Languages
- English, Maori
- Runtime
- 1h 58m
- Production Studios
- Utu Productions, New Zealand Film Commission
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Geoff Murphy
Geoff Murphy, Keith Aberdein
John Charles
Michael Horton, Ian John
Don Blakeney, David Carson-Parker, Kerry Robins, Geoff Murphy
Department Leadership Roster
Geoff Murphy
Director
Geoff Murphy
Writer
Keith Aberdein
Writer
Michael Horton
Editor
Ian John
Editor
Ron Highfield
Production Design
Michael Kane
Costume Design
Don Blakeney
Producer
Geoff Murphy
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Utu.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Utu.
1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die
1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die (All editions 2003-2024). A cumulative list including films subsequently removed in later editions. Totaling 1,260 films as of Nov 2024. 《1001部死前必看的电影》（2003-2024 全版本累积版）： 包含自2003年首版至2024年11月德语版修订的所有影片。即使在后期版本中被剔除的电影也予以保留。 *注：榜单源数据中包含部分剧集/迷你剧，由于本片单只收录纯电影，故不再收录以下非电影条目：* • [#019] Lovers Rock (2020) • [#418] Dekalog (1989) *(Updated via Automated ETL Pipeline: 2026-10-20 07:41:36 UTC+8)*
Movies
MovieLens[40K:50K]
list_War
Movies categorized under War
1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die copy
1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die
Similar Titles to Utu
Movies sharing stylistic DNA, tone, and thematic storytelling
7.4
7.4
6.8
7.8
7.7
6.8
6.4
6.3
6.6
4.5
6.2
10.0
6.7
4.0
More Like Utu
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.
Frequently Asked Questions About Utu
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Utu about?
In New Zealand in the 1860s the native Māori people fought the British colonials to keep the land guaranteed to them by treaty. The warrior Te Wheke fights for the British until betrayal leads him to seek utu (revenge). The settler Williamson in turn seeks revenge after Te Wheke attacks his homestead. Meanwhile Wiremu, an officer for the British, seems to think that resistance is futile.
Who directed Utu?
Utu was directed by Geoff Murphy.
Who stars in Utu?
The principal cast of Utu includes Anzac Wallace, Bruno Lawrence, Tim Elliott, Kelly Johnson, Wi Kuki Kaa.
When was Utu released and how long is it?
Utu was released in 1983 with a total runtime of 1h 58m.
Who composed the musical score for Utu?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Utu was composed by John Charles.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Utu?
Utu holds official age classifications: DE: 16 (FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.).