Tracker

Tracker

Year: 2010

Runtime: 102 mins

Language: English

Director: Ian Sharp

DramaActionAdventureThriller

Ex‑Boer war guerrilla Arjan (James Winstone) in New Zealand is tasked with recapturing Maori seaman Kereama (Morrison), accused of killing a British soldier. As they trek through the rugged NZ wilderness they develop mutual respect, while a vengeful British commanding officer leads a posse determined to hang Kereama. The film becomes a tense cat‑and‑mouse chase that tests both men’s bushcraft and wits.

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Timeline & Setting – Tracker (2010)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Tracker (2010). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1903

The film takes place in 1903, shortly after the Boer War ended. This period was marked by post-war recovery and tensions stemming from colonial conflicts. It was a time of change as colonies like New Zealand were transitioning into more established self-governing regions, with lingering war trauma influencing national identity and personal relationships.

Location

New Zealand, South Africa

The movie is set primarily in early 20th-century New Zealand, depicting its coastal landscapes, harbors, and rural regions, reflecting the country's history as a British dominion. South Africa is referenced through the Boer War background, highlighting the conflict's impact on individuals and families, with scenes evoking a rugged, frontier-like environment.

🌏 Remote 🏞️ Rural 🐚 Coastal

Last Updated: August 05, 2025 at 06:54

Main Characters – Tracker (2010)

Meet the key characters of Tracker (2010), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Arjan van Diemen (Ray Winstone)

A former soldier haunted by his past actions in the Boer War, van Diemen is depicted as a complex character torn between regret and a desire for redemption. His interactions reveal a man seeking peace while grappling with guilt and memories of violence. His protective stance towards Kereama indicates a potential change in his morals.

🧔 Veteran 🔎 Haunted 🛡️ Protector

Kereama (Temuera Morrison)

A Maori man driven by the desire to reclaim his family's honor and land, Kereama is a resilient and principled character. His refusal to kill van Diemen and his quest for justice demonstrate his moral integrity despite the violence surrounding him. His connection to his heritage acts as a core aspect of his identity.

🧑‍🌾 Indigenous 💪 Resilient 🔥 Vengeful

Major Pritchard Carlysle (Gareth Reeves)

A stern military officer enforcing colonial authority, Carlysle embodies discipline and loyalty to the British Empire. His actions reflect the tensions of maintaining order in a post-war landscape, with moments revealing internal conflicts about morality and duty.

🎖️ Authority 💼 Military 💭 Reflective

Saunders (Mark Mitchinson)

A conflicted soldier whose aggressive actions escalate tensions, Saunders exhibits bravado laced with guilt and moral ambiguity. His pursuit of Kereama is driven by duty but is marred by brutality and fear.

🪖 Soldier 😠 Aggressive 🤷‍♂️ Guilt

Last Updated: August 05, 2025 at 06:54

Major Themes – Tracker (2010)

Explore the central themes of Tracker (2010), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🩸 Revenge

Revenge drives much of the plot, with characters haunted by past conflicts. Kereama seeks justice for his family and heritage, while van Diemen’s actions are rooted in retaliation and personal shame. The theme explores how the desire for revenge affects decisions and moral boundaries.

⚔️ War and Peace

The film juxtaposes the violence of war, such as the Boer conflict and colonial violence in New Zealand, with moments of introspection and reconciliation. It reflects on the lasting effects of war on individuals and nations, emphasizing the possibility of forgiveness and understanding amidst brutality.

🌿 Cultural Identity

Kereama’s Maori heritage and van Diemen’s Dutch background highlight themes of cultural identity and historical conflict. The characters’ interactions symbolize the ongoing struggles over land, honor, and the legacy of colonialism, emphasizing the importance of respecting different cultures and histories.

Last Updated: August 05, 2025 at 06:54

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies where enemies become allies like in Tracker

Two opposing men find mutual respect while surviving a treacherous journey together.If you liked the evolving dynamic between Arjan and Kereama in Tracker, you'll find similar stories here. These movies feature adversarial characters, often a hunter and their prey, who are forced to rely on each other for survival, leading to unexpected bonds and moral complexity.

tensegrittysolemnhopefulredemptivedesperatemelancholic

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows a high-stakes pursuit that transforms into a collaborative struggle for survival. The central conflict shifts from an external man-vs-man chase to an internal moral dilemma, as the characters' core beliefs are tested and altered by their shared experience.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their core character arc: the profound shift from enmity to alliance. They share a tense, gritty atmosphere, a focus on survival in harsh settings, and a heavy emotional weight stemming from themes of honor, redemption, and challenging prejudice.

Gritty historical manhunt movies like Tracker

Intense chase dramas set against a backdrop of colonial conflict and injustice.For viewers seeking more tense historical chase dramas similar to Tracker. These films combine a gripping survival narrative with a heavy, thought-provoking exploration of colonial-era conflicts, moral ambiguity, and the stark beauty of unforgiving landscapes.

tensegrittyoppressivesuspensefulhistoricalsolemndesperate

Narrative Summary

The stories are linear, focused pursuits through vast, challenging landscapes. The protagonist is often a morally complex figure caught between duty and conscience, chasing a fugitive who represents a broader societal conflict. The tension is high and sustained, with a bittersweet or bleak resolution that acknowledges the systemic injustices at play.

Why These Movies?

They share a potent mix of high-intensity action, a steady pacing driven by the pursuit, and a heavy emotional weight derived from their historical setting. The core experience is one of tense survival set against a somber backdrop of loss and injustice.

Unlock the Full Story of Tracker

Don't stop at just watching — explore Tracker in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Tracker is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Tracker Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Tracker, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Tracker Summary

Tracker Timeline

Track the full timeline of Tracker with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Tracker Timeline

Tracker Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Tracker that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Tracker Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Tracker

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Tracker: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Tracker