
In a traditional tribal society in the South Pacific, a young girl, Wawa, falls in love with her chief's grandson, Dain. When an inter-tribal war escalates, Wawa is unknowingly betrothed as part of a peace deal. The young lovers run away, refusing her arranged fate. They must choose between their hearts and the future of the tribe, while the villagers must wrestle with preserving their traditional culture and adapting it to the growing outside demands for individual freedom.... (Full plot summary below)
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In a traditional tribal society in the South Pacific, a young girl, Wawa, falls in love with her chief's grandson, Dain. When an inter-tribal war escalates, Wawa is unknowingly betrothed as part of a peace deal. The young lovers run away, refusing her arranged fate. They must choose between their hearts and the future of the tribe, while the villagers must wrestle with preserving their traditional culture and adapting it to the growing outside demands for individual freedom.
Leave your thoughts about Tanna.
| Counterpunch.orgLouis ProyectNo film in this genre comes close to "Tanna" in terms of story-telling expertise, acting by non-professionals, cinematography, music and political insight. |
| New York TimesGlenn KennyDespite its best efforts, Tanna drifts into a mode of exoticism that renders it an ultimately frustrating experience. |
| Los Angeles TimesKenneth TuranMost surprising are the involving performances of all concerned, but especially the pair playing the young lovers, actors with finely expressive eyes and faces. |
| Washington PostStephanie MerryThe movie is a tremendous accomplishment, especially considering that the cast had never seen cameras before — much less movies — yet still agreed to star in the drama. Their performances are as stunning as the setting, and that’s truly saying something. |
| CineVueJohn BleasdaleDean doubles as cinematographer and his ability to unobtrusively capture moments of village life is matched for an eye for the natural beauty the tribe lives amidst. But it's a beauty which never drowns the film. There's also room for jokes and gossip, nastiness and fun. |
| GuardianPhil HoadAn open-throated and universal call for change from within. |
| Radio TimesDavid ParkinsonA tale of star-crossed love that is as poignant as the insights are acute into vanishing tradition and the changing status of women. |
| Vue Weekly (Edmonton, Alberta)Brian GibsonTanna grows compellingly urgent, its Romeo-and-Juliet story becoming the story of that people's survival. |
| Movie TalkJason BestThe cast had never seen a movie camera before, let alone acted; and their costumes amount to grass skirts and penis sheaths (their habitual wear). Yet their candid performances put many trained thespians to shame. |
| Urban CinefileLouise KellerBentley Dean's cinematography is breathtaking... The film is worth seeing for the visuals alone |