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Tracker

Name: Tracker
Director: Ian Sharp
Released: 2010
Duration: 102 min

Representation Score

4.5/10

Fair

2010

Director

Ian Sharp

Runtime

102 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Tracker is primarily a survivalist action-thriller that explores colonial tensions. While it falls short in terms of gender and LGBTQ+ diversity, it excels in its portrayal of racial and cultural dynamics. By featuring a Māori protagonist, the film deviates from typical Western-centric adventure stories. The tension between indigenous experiences and British military authority adds layers of post-colonial critique. This creates a narrative where moral binaries are questioned through evolving mutual respect between the hunter and the hunted. However, the film's impact is somewhat limited by its heavy reliance on masculine-driven action and the absence of diverse identities outside the central racial conflict.

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Category Breakdown

Does Tracker have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities. The story focuses solely on the relationship between two male characters.

How does Tracker portray gender?

Limited

The story revolves around a male-dominated pursuit of survival skills. It lacks female characters who play significant roles or challenge traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Tracker?

Good

The film centers on a conflict between a Boer soldier and a Māori sailor. Placing a Māori character in a central role challenges traditional Anglo-centric narratives.

How does Tracker represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative contrasts a Māori individual against British colonial authority. This setup highlights a critique of imperial justice and the corruption within colonial systems.

Does Tracker include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any characters dealing with physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Placing a Māori character in a central role offers meaningful representation and challenges Anglo-centric clichés.
The conflict examines post-colonial power dynamics and the tension between different ethnic identities.
The narrative critiques imperial justice by highlighting the clash between indigenous ability to act and colonial authority.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks female characters who play a significant role in driving the story or substantial roles.
There is no representation of LGBTQ+ individuals or non-cisgender identities.
The narrative heavily emphasizes masculine-coded survival skills and traditional gender roles.

Official Synopsis

A guerilla fighter from the South African Boer war called Arjan (Winstone) takes on a manhunt in New Zealand for Maori seaman Kereama (Morrison), who is accused of murdering a British soldier. What follows is a cat and mouse pursuit through the varied landscape of New Zealand with both hunter and huntee testing their bushcraft and wits against that of the other. Gradually they grow to know and respect one another but a posse, led by the British Commanding officer is close behind and his sole intention is to see the Maori hang.

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