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.

Tense
Bittersweet ending
Emotionally heavy
High intensity
Steady pacing
Moderate complexity

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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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Tracker Summary

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More About Tracker

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Tracker (2010) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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