Tanna (2015)

Memorable, crazy movie

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

The film is this year's version of 'Embrace of the Serpent' at the Oscars. Yes, it is one of the five films to clash for the tag of the Best Foreign Language Film on the behalf of the Australia. Though the entire film was shot on Vanuatu's Tanna island and Nauvahal was the language spoken in it with the natives performing the film roles.This was really a stunning film. I had a misconception during my childhood that all tribal people, mostly from the deep jungles are so cruel just like the North Sentinel Island people. I never visited such place or met such people, but some documentaries and feature films taught me many things. This is one of those films to highlight them and their culture.The people from the Tanna island rejected to adopt the outside culture just to save theirs, which is used to be thousands of years old. Everything was taught to their kids, from hunting and gathering to the growing fruits, vegetables and livestocks. But they too have rivals with their neighbour tribe that sometimes end with casualties on the both sides. This film was a romance-drama, when the young couple's love was rejected by their elders, how they fought for it, which forced to bring a reform in their custom was told.This is like the Vanuatu's version of Romeo-Juliet tale. While watching it, my heart was pounding faster. Because since I don't know these people and their traditions, I thought something terrible going to happen sooner or later. The film did not have any strong violence, but the storyline led to such situation often. Even in the final stage, they silently ended the narration with a message. But remember this film was based on the true story that took place in the 80s."Our tribes are the last keepers of Kastom. We have to hold it tight to survive."Their performances were natural, since the events of the film were based on their daily life. So they knew what they were doing. It was an advantage for the filmmakers, like they were making a documentary, despite they wrote the screenplay for it. Everyone played their own real life character to depict the actual event. Particularly the lead ones, Dain, Wawa, Selin and a few others were impressive. Awesome cinematography, as well as background score. The locations were amazing, including that live volcanic mountain. Despite their presence in the region for centuries, it looks untouched and wild.This film is what something you won't see in your daily life. It was not a romance like in our society, but men and women falling in love in any culture/society are the same. The film was not entirely a love tale, but step by step it gets there. In the initial parts, it was an introduction to their customs with a little fun. Followed by revealing they are not alone. Then comes the turn in the story where the remaining parts have a new fast paced thrill look.My point is we have seen hundreds of romance films, but this is one of those rare ones where 90 per cent of the world never going to meet these real people in their lives. So thanks to the filmmakers for giving this beautiful precious film. The first feature film for the documentary filmmakers and it made into the American Academy Awards. A great achievement, especially recognising such film by the Australian film society, as well as the Academy juries for nominating it.I'll be looking forward and cheering for them on their red carpet appearance. Though this film has a less chance over Denmark's 'Under Sandet' which is the front-runner. Don't mind that, just watch this film, because it is worth on its own merit than watching it after winning an award. Recommended!8/10

In some respects this film reminded me of Murnau's "Tabu". It hails from Australia, (and is the Australian entry for this year's Best Foreign Film Oscar), but is actually set on the remote Pacific island of Tanna among the Yakel tribe and tells of the forbidden love between Wawa and Dain, the son of the chief. Gorgeously shot in the rain forests of Tanna, which is part of Vanuatu, and on an active volcano, it has the feel of a documentary, (the cast are non-professionals), but is constructed like a thriller with a touch of 'Romeo and Juliet' thrown in. It was co-directed by Martin Butler, (it marks his feature debut), and its cinematographer Bentley Dean and there is a harshness at play that belies the beauty of the locations though there is also a degree of humour too. The problem with the picture is that the material is old-hat, however exotic the setting. As a certain song says, this is a tale as old as time but it's redeemed, in this instance, by the treatment.

That does not mean: A Disney cartoon for toddler and parents. Rather for a mature audience who knows about other civilizations. Not in space, but at remote places and during Paleolithic.This film contains a rare combination of different themes: - the Romeo and Juliette drama - an ethnographic study, although it remains or must remain superficial, such that one seems to understand the cultural issues, which can hardly be possible in reality. - a nature film, with the primeval forest and a volcanic landscape as background - an escape/pursuit film (alike FIGURES IN A LANDSCAPE, but without helicopter)Also important the depiction of living in tribes which was also our common style during most of the time of the existence of humans. For the fugitives, a window of opportunity is opened once they meet Christians. So we get instructed which role a common belief like a universal religion has in the formation of big societies.

I was lucky enough to see this amazing movie in Vanuatu in March. I am frustrated that this movie is not widely available in the US and you can not buy the DVD here. This movie is beautiful. You are transported to another culture dealing with the universal issues of love, family and community norms. What is even more amazing is the actors are not trained actors but villagers. They do an excellent job.The movie is visually stunning. Shot in Vanuatu on location with an active volcano in the background adds to the emotion.Hope others in the US get the opportunity to see this.