Burning of the Gods (2022)

(0) based on 0 votes
An airplane lands. A massive cruise boat anchors off the reef, disgorging tourists for tropical island vacations. This postcard paradise depends on petroleum imports to fuel its cars, motorbikes, boats, hotels, pumps and machinery. Yet if the tourists stopped coming, what then? The film opens with the prophetic words of Niuean artist John Pule and continues as a visual tone poem, without dialogue or narration, moving forward into the past to ask questions about the future. A young man travels back in time, from luxury resorts and lagoon tours through pandemic and population exodus, to early Christianity when missionaries incinerated his island’s atua and marae. Finally he reconnects with his tīpuna who settled the island a thousand years ago.
Directors
Release Date
Jul 30, 2022
Runtime
00h 07m
Genre
Available in streaming on

An airplane lands. A massive cruise boat anchors off the reef, disgorging tourists for tropical island vacations. This postcard paradise depends on petroleum imports to fuel its cars, motorbikes, boats, hotels, pumps and machinery. Yet if the tourists stopped coming, what then? The film opens with the prophetic words of Niuean artist John Pule and continues as a visual tone poem, without dialogue or narration, moving forward into the past to ask questions about the future. A young man travels back in time, from luxury resorts and lagoon tours through pandemic and population exodus, to early Christianity when missionaries incinerated his island’s atua and marae. Finally he reconnects with his tīpuna who settled the island a thousand years ago.

Movies like Burning of the Gods

Out of the Blue

Ordinary people find extraordinary courage in the face of madness. On 13–14 November 1990 that madness came to Aramoana, a small New Zealand seaside town, in the form of a lone gunman with a high-powered semi-automatic rifle. As he stalked his victims the terrified and confused residents were trapped for 24 hours while a handful of under-resourced and under-armed local policemen risked their lives trying to find him and save the survivors. Based on true events.
Search similar movies
6.5
Out+of+the+Blue
Out of the Blue

2006

Search similar movies
The Piano

When an arranged marriage brings Ada and her spirited daughter to the wilderness of nineteenth-century New Zealand, she finds herself locked in a battle of wills with both her controlling husband and a rugged frontiersman to whom she develops a forbidden attraction.
Search similar movies
7.4
The+Piano
Whale Rider

A contemporary story of love, rejection, and triumph as a young Maori girl fights to fulfill a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognize.
Search similar movies
7.1
Whale+Rider
Whale Rider

2003

Search similar movies
In My Father's Den

War journalist Paul Prior returns to his New Zealand hometown after his father’s death, rekindling strained relationships with his brother and memories of a troubled past. He befriends Celia, a curious and aspiring writer, who shares a fascination with his world. When Celia mysteriously disappears, Paul becomes the prime suspect, forcing him to confront buried secrets and uncover the dark truths of his family and community.
Search similar movies
7.0
In+My+Father%27s+Den
In My Father's Den

2004

Search similar movies
The World's Fastest Indian

The life story of New Zealander Burt Munro, who spent years building a 1920 Indian motorcycle—a bike which helped him set the land-speed world record at Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats in 1967.
Search similar movies
7.7
The+World%27s+Fastest+Indian
The World's Fastest Indian

2005

Search similar movies
Because I Hate Korea

Kye-na, an average woman in her late twenties, holds a steady job and a committed boyfriend, Ji-myoung. Yet instead of feeling content, she constantly faces uncertainty, confusion and anxiety. While struggling with personal relationships and life's woes, Kye-na finally embarks for New Zealand despite everyone’s dissuasion on leaving her home behind.
Search similar movies
8.0
Because+I+Hate+Korea
Because I Hate Korea

2024

Search similar movies
The Silent One

A baby is washed up on a Pacific Island and is adopted by a childless woman. The tribal priest takes an instant dislike to the child, proclaiming him a demon. The child is deaf and mute and therefore excluded from hunting with the other young men. Out of loneliness, he befriends a white turtle. When a drought befalls the island, the priest blames the silent one. When the chief protects the boy, the priest plots the chiefs' downfall.
Search similar movies
4.7
The+Silent+One
The Silent One

1984

Search similar movies
Night Shift

Follows a cleaning lady going through an overnight shift at an airport. Her actions throughout may seem selfish and heartless but they all become incredibly understandable at the end.
Search similar movies
8.0
Night+Shift
Night Shift

2012

Search similar movies
Once Were Warriors

A drama about a Maori family living in Auckland, New Zealand. Lee Tamahori tells the story of Beth Heke’s strong will to keep her family together during times of unemployment and abuse from her violent and alcoholic husband.
Search similar movies
7.4
Once+Were+Warriors
Once Were Warriors

1994

Search similar movies
An Angel at My Table

Based on the autobiographical work of New Zealand writer Janet Frame, this production depicts the author at various stage of her life. Afflicted with mental and emotional issues, Frame grows up in an impoverished family and experiences numerous tragedies while still in her youth, including the deaths of two of her siblings. Portrayed as an adult by Kerry Fox, Frame finds acclaim for her writing while still in a mental institution, and her success helps her move on with her life.
Search similar movies
7.0
An+Angel+at+My+Table
An Angel at My Table

1990

Search similar movies
Fish Out of Water

Fish Out of Water manages to unfurl its light-hearted tale of young man and the sea, without a word of dialogue. Avoiding the morning traffic jams, our man (Nick Dunbar) finds peace by rowing each day to work in the city. But when a seductive blonde unexpectedly enters the picture, he finds his morning boat ride heading in unexpected directions. Directed by Lala Rolls (Land of My Ancestors), Fish Out of Water was invited to play in the 2005 NZ Film Festival, plus another 10 overseas fests. Victoria Kelly composes the brass and banjo-inflected soundtrack.
Search similar movies
Fish+Out+of+Water
Fish Out of Water

2008

Search similar movies
Smog

Thick, deadly smog blankets the globe, reducing visibility to less than a few metres. In a secluded farmhouse, a woman and her overbearing husband attempt to find resources and survive using a series of walking trails crafted from ropes and stakes. One night, the woman is alerted to the presence of someone or something else deep in the smog. Desperate to escape the farmhouse, the woman attempts to meet the unknown and risk everything to leave her loveless and abusive relationship behind.
Search similar movies
Smog
Ablaze

In November 1947 forty-one people died in a massive blaze that gutted the huge Ballantynes Department Store complex in the heart of Christchurch’s business district. This is the tragic story of New Zealand’s worst fire disaster.
Search similar movies
Ablaze
Crooked Earth

Will Bastion returns home from the army after an absence of 20 years to bury his father, the former chief of thee Maori tribe, Ngati Kaipuku. The eldest son, he is reluctant to inherit his fathers role, so it is taken more willingly by his younger brother, Kahu. Kahu is the leader of a band of drug dealers and trouble-makers who ride horses through the middle of town, wrecking peoples gardens. Under the guise of refusal of a land settlement, Kahu makes a large marijuana deal with some murdering city folk. Will must choose between loyalty for his brother and his father, Maori tradition, and contemporary financial issues.
Search similar movies
6.2
Crooked+Earth
Crooked Earth

2001

Search similar movies
The Brighton Miracle

Inspired by true events, the story begins with Japanese rugby officials dwelling on a humiliating anniversary, a 145-17 defeat by the New Zealand All Blacks in the 1995 World Cup. Officials question their decision to appoint Eddie Jones, to coach their national team for the 2015 World Cup. Jones plans to defy convention in order to put a stop to Japan being the laughing stock of world rugby.
Search similar movies
6.7
The+Brighton+Miracle
The Brighton Miracle

2019

Search similar movies
Field Punishment No.1

In 1916, the New Zealand Government secretly shipped 14 of the country's most outspoken conscientious objectors to the Western Front in an attempt to convert, silence, or quite possibly kill them. This is their story.
Search similar movies
8.0
Field+Punishment+No.1
Field Punishment No.1

2014

Search similar movies
Perianayaki

Fifty-six-year-old Perianayaki contends with the difficulties of fitting into her new home, especially at the local supermarket where she works. Eye-opening and brimming with compassion, the latest film from director Bala Murali Shingade is a slice-of-life character study that provokes questions about multiculturalism and our assumptions about the people we encounter in daily life.
Search similar movies
Perianayaki
Perianayaki

2022

Search similar movies
What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?

Five years have passed and Jake has turned his back on his family. He's still up to his usual tricks in McClutchy's Bar, unaware, as he downs his latest opponent, that his eldest son, Nig, has died in a gang fight. The uncomfortable family reunion at Nig's funeral sparks a confrontation with second son, Sonny, and sets Jake and Sonny on a downward spiral.
Search similar movies
6.6
What+Becomes+of+the+Broken+Hearted%3F
What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?

1999

Search similar movies
Consent: The Louise Nicholas Story

Based on the best-selling book 'My Story' this feature length drama goes beyond the headlines to tell an intimate story about secrets and one woman's struggle to have them heard. In 1993 Louise Nicholas made her first shocking accusations about being raped by policemen. Some believed her, many didn't. CONSENT tells the story of the senior policeman who went to great lengths to help her fight her case, the journalist who exposed the truth, and the family at the center of the storm.
Search similar movies
5.3
Consent%3A+The+Louise+Nicholas+Story
Consent: The Louise Nicholas Story

2014

Search similar movies
Catching the Black Widow

The courageous story of a tenacious New Zealand woman who would stop at nothing in seeking justice for her brother's murder.
Search similar movies
5.6
Catching+the+Black+Widow
Catching the Black Widow

2017

Search similar movies
Under the Mountain

Teenage twins battle dark forces hidden beneath Auckland's volcanoes.
Search similar movies
4.6
Under+the+Mountain
Under the Mountain

2009

Search similar movies
Apron Strings

Celebrity Chef Anita hasn't seen her family for twenty years. That is until her son Michael decides to do some soul searching and track down his aunt.
Search similar movies
6.0
Apron+Strings
Apron Strings

2008

Search similar movies
Resolve

Based on the true story of Chris Crean, who took a stand against gang violence in his community only to become a target himself.
Search similar movies
8.0
Resolve
The Dance Exponents: Why Does Love?

The story of the rise and fall and rise of one of New Zealand’s most loved and iconic bands, The Exponents.
Search similar movies
7.5
The+Dance+Exponents%3A+Why+Does+Love%3F
The Dance Exponents: Why Does Love?

2017

Search similar movies
Boy

Boy, an 11-year-old child and devout Michael Jackson fan who lives on the east coast of New Zealand in 1984, gets a chance to know his absentee criminal father, who has returned to find a bag of money he buried years ago.
Search similar movies
7.3
Boy
Utu

In New Zealand in the 1860s the native Māori people fought the British colonials to keep the land guaranteed to them by treaty. The warrior Te Wheke fights for the British until betrayal leads him to seek utu (revenge). The settler Williamson in turn seeks revenge after Te Wheke attacks his homestead. Meanwhile Wiremu, an officer for the British, seems to think that resistance is futile.
Search similar movies
7.0
Utu
My First Suit

14-year old Steve is caught between creatures he does not fully understand: two parents with very different ideas about the suit he should wear to his first school dance. Meanwhile everywhere he seems to look, images of men are taking control of his imagination. In Stewart Main's comical coming of age story Steve escapes his parents' good wishes, to discover his true desires. They aren't quite what his no-nonsense father had in mind.
Search similar movies
6.6
My+First+Suit
My First Suit

1985

Search similar movies
The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari

A close examination of the Whakaari / White Island volcanic eruption of 2019 in which 22 lives were lost, the film viscerally recounts a day when ordinary people were called upon to do extraordinary things, placing this tragic event within the larger context of nature, resilience, and the power of our shared humanity.
Search similar movies
7.2
The+Volcano%3A+Rescue+from+Whakaari
The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari

2022

Search similar movies
The Dark Horse

One-time Maori speed-chess champ, Genesis Potini, lives with a bi-polar disorder and must overcome prejudice and violence in the battle to save his struggling chess club, his family and ultimately, himself.
Search similar movies
6.3
The+Dark+Horse
The Dark Horse

2014

Search similar movies
50 Ways of Saying Fabulous

Sweet, chubby, theatrical Billy was never cut out to be a farmer or a rugby player, but as the only son of a ‘good kiwi bloke’ he’s obliged to try. The cows are stubborn and the chores gruelling but Billy finds escape in a fantasy world playing Lana, heroine of his favourite TV show Adventures in Space. Not everyone approves of Billy's transformation. On the brink of adolescene, he discovers growing up is more complicated than he could ever have imagined.
Search similar movies
5.5
50+Ways+of+Saying+Fabulous
50 Ways of Saying Fabulous

2005

Search similar movies
After the Waterfall

A forest ranger is haunted by the disappearance of his four-year-old daughter, and the subsequent breakup of his marriage. He discovers that his ex-wife Ana is pregnant to the policeman in charge of his missing daughter's case.
Search similar movies
6.1
After+the+Waterfall
After the Waterfall

2010

Search similar movies
Mesmerized

An orphan weds an older man in circa-1900 New Zealand, then finds out he's a miser who spies on her.
Search similar movies
4.9
Mesmerized
Mesmerized

1985

Search similar movies
Pack Rat

In rural New Zealand, a fifteen-year-old girl fights to keep her place among the pack of boys she has grown up with. As day turns to night, she falls into a power game with the pack's alpha - but it is the wrestle within herself that proves to be her hardest challenge.
Search similar movies
Pack+Rat
The Convert

Munro, a soldier turned lay preacher, comes to New Zealand to minister to the first British colonists, but he is converted by the powerful chief Maianui to serve a different purpose.
Search similar movies
6.2
The+Convert
The Convert

2024

Search similar movies
Among the Cinders

A teenage boy, Nick, has difficulty coping with the death of a friend. When Nick's grandmother also dies, his grandfather, thinking that the boy will not be able to handle another loss, conceals her death and takes Nick on a journey into the countryside.
Search similar movies
5.8
Among+the+Cinders
Among the Cinders

1984

Search similar movies
Beyond Reasonable Doubt

A docu-drama covering one of the most famous cases in New Zealand history, the murder of Harvey and Jeanette Crewe in 1970.
Search similar movies
6.5
Beyond+Reasonable+Doubt
Beyond Reasonable Doubt

1980

Search similar movies
A Nightmare on Every Street

David Bain is accused of killing his family in Dunedin, New Zealand.
Search similar movies
A+Nightmare+on+Every+Street
A Nightmare on Every Street

2022

Search similar movies
TINA

A 23-year-old revisits the family car he grew up with to experience the thrill of childhood again...
Search similar movies
TINA
Chasing Redemption

A man's son becomes involved in drug use and criminal activity in rural New Zealand. The man embarks on a journey to seek assistance from others in an effort to get his son back before it's too late.
Search similar movies
Chasing+Redemption
Chasing Redemption

2025

Search similar movies
Life of Josutty

Life of Josutty narrates the story of the struggles and life lessons learned by Josutty(Dileep), a simple farmer living in a village in Kerala who migrates to New Zeland after marriage.
Search similar movies
6.1
Life+of+Josutty
Life of Josutty

2015

Search similar movies
Kawa

A psychological drama of a family in crisis. Kawa, a successful Māori businessman in Auckland, New Zealand, is forced to reveal his lifelong secret - that he is gay.
Search similar movies
5.5
Kawa