The equal opportunities people would have a field day with stubborn old Maori grandad Koro (Paratene).

When his daughter-in-law and grandson die in childbirth, his only concern is that the boy's surviving twin sister cannot continue the family line.

Maori tradition dictates that a male heir has to succeed to the role of chief ...and poor old Koro is left with Pai (Castle-Hughes).

However, he has high hopes for his own son (and Pai's dad) Pourangi (Curtis) - but he's enjoying success as an artist in Germany and has no intention of going back.

Blinded by prejudice, Koro calls for his people to bring their 12-year-old boys to him for training in the "old ways".

He's convinced the new leader will be revealed to him through a gruelling process of chant instruction, lessons in tribal lore and warrior technique (hitting each other with sticks).

Of course, the rightful recipient of the title of chief is Pai...but we couldn't have some gurly doing the job, could we?

Caro takes his time building up the suspense as granddaughter is pitted against grandad, but the conclusion is powerfully satisfying.

A cast largely drawn from newcomers (including the impressive Castle-Hughes) deliver natural performances and never slip into melodrama.

At times there's a tangible risk of the whole thing tumbling into the hippy-drippyish world of incense burners and finger bells ...but fears are thankfully unfounded.

Care is taken with a narrative that strives for otherworldliness and the supernatural element of the plot is nicely restrained.

It's just a shame the bleakly satisfying ending of the orginal novel by Witi Ihimaera is Hollywooded up for American audiences. Anyway, it's worth the ride.

Tim Evans