Filmmakers Bentley Dean and Martin Butler's Oscar-nominated Australian tribal romance is based on a true story. Wawa (Marie Wawa) is a young woman who is a member of the Yakel, one of the last remaining traditional tribes in the South Pacific. Wawa is drawn to the chief's grandson, Dain (Mungau Dain), but she is promised to the rival Imedin clan as part of a peace deal. After Dain sleeps with the virginal Wawa, he is banished, and she—despite the threat of continued warfare—runs away to join him. With both tribes hot on the trail of the forbidden lovers, their idyllic time seems destined to be short. Although the subject matter is serious, the tone early on is often light, with some of the best moments provided by the luminous Marceline Rofit as Selin, the mischievous younger sister of Wawa. Filmed on location in Vanuatu, and featuring incredibly natural performances from the non-professional actors (drawn from the Yakel community), Tanna is a beautifully filmed tale about lovers who ultimately spurred real-life changes in tribal law regarding arranged marriages. Highly recommended. [Note: DVD extras include the production featurettes “The Story” (7 min.), “What Does the Tribe Think?” (4 min.), “Cyclone” (2 min.), a short “making-of” (2 min.), and a brief “Going to Venice” segment. Bottom line: a solid extras package for this fine Oscar nominated film.] (R. Pitman)
Tanna
Lightyear, 104 min., in Nauvhal w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $19.99, Blu-ray: $25.99 Volume 32, Issue 3
Tanna
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