Two Loves

An American teacher who has dedicated her life to her students, Anna runs a free-form, child-centered classroom that resists rigid discipline. She is compassionate, impulsive, and often naive about sexual politics, which complicates her relationship with nearby adults. Her unwavering focus on the children's well-being drives much of the drama as she navigates loyalty, love, and cultural tensions.

A brash, emotionally vulnerable Brit who has found himself teaching in a small New Zealand community. He is passionate and lonely, dreaming of a singing career while struggling with insecurity and a troubled past. His pursuit of Anna tests boundaries and reveals a longing for belonging.

A 15-year-old Maori girl who idolizes Anna and quietly navigates coming-of-age, including an unplanned pregnancy. She embodies resilience and the pragmatic view of family and community in Maori life. Her pregnancy becomes a focal point that illuminates cultural differences in attitudes toward sexuality and adulthood.

The new American-educated superintendent who is drawn to Anna and offers a different kind of authority. He is lonely, world-weary, and emotionally distant, yet capable of deep care. Through his guarded romance with Anna, he exposes the isolation and conflict within colonial life.

A respected Maori elder who embodies tradition and progressive openness. He supports Matawhero’s learning and provides a stabilizing voice for his community. His presence anchors the film’s portrayal of Maori leadership and resilience.

A Maori boy who helps in Anna’s class and who runs away after being struck at school. His literacy development under Anna’s guidance contrasts with the punitive approach he faces elsewhere, highlighting issues of cultural safety and respect.

The school headmaster who manages the school's policies and ultimately becomes part of the political and social machinery affecting Anna and her class. His role illuminates the institutional pressures on teachers and communities.