Discovering New Experiences Through Film

Most of the time, we forget that a film can be a window into experiences we would never otherwise have. Films like Will Fight Immediately, also known as In the Fire of the War, offer a unique perspective on historical events and the people who lived through them. The story takes place in 1864 during the New Zealand war and revolves around a Māori European teenager who fights for the British colonial forces and is captured by the Māori resistance.

A Glimpse into the Drama

The trailer for In the Fire of the War reveals an epic, high-stakes drama that not only presents the military conflict but also the moral questions and internal prejudices that are tested in a violent scenario. The sneak peek emphasizes the film’s focus on the importance of dialogue, which seamlessly switches between Te Reo Māori and intentionally uncomfortable English. Additionally, the sneak peek showcases the epic scale of In the Fire of the War and teases one of its intense action scenes.

A Promising Directorial Debut

At first glance, In the Fire of the War seems like the ambitious feature of an established director, but it is actually the directorial debut of Mike Jonathan. This certainly signals a promising career for the filmmaker. In an interview, Jonathan explained that after working in the film industry for about three decades, he decided to “go for the big one” and make a story about his ancestors who fought in the battle of 1864.

A Personal and Historical Story

Jonathan wanted to honor his ancestors and tell a story that was as close to the truth as possible. He collaborated with Temuera Morrison, who is part of the main cast and also has a genealogy connected to the battle. Morrison praised the younger cast members, saying they “steal the show” despite not having formal drama training. He attributed their talent to the fact that the emotions and story are “in their blood.”

Now Available to Stream

In the Fire of the War is now available to stream on demand on Apple TV, Prime Video, Fandango at Home, Google Play, DirectV, and other platforms. The film offers a unique and epic viewing experience that explores the complexities of war, identity, and cultural heritage. You can watch an exclusive sneak peek of the film to get a glimpse into its intense and thought-provoking story.