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Biographical documentary

Merata (2019): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Merata (2019) movie poster

Merata is a 2019 biographical documentary starring Taika Waititi, Alanis Obomsawin and Awatea Mita. It runs 1 hour 29 minutes and earned $25,965 worldwide. Critics gave it 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.7/10.

IMDb rating
7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes
92%
worldwide gross
$26K
Echo Score
79
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Merata (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 29m (89 min)
Original language
Australian english
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Merata About?

The premise of Merata without spoilers.

This moving documentary honors Merata Mita, a groundbreaking filmmaker and activist from New Zealand’s Indigenous Māori people. As the first woman from an Indigenous Nation to direct a feature film solo, she fearlessly addressed social injustices and challenged established norms, often sparking controversy. The film explores her legacy as a true trailblazer and examines the impact of her unwavering commitment to social justice, which inspired many and continues to resonate today.

Merata Themes & Keywords

· 10 tags
  • maori
  • woman filmmaker
  • indigenous
  • motherhood
  • activism
  • aotearoa
  • indigenous filmmaker
  • indigenous cinema
  • filmmaking
  • protest
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Cast & crew

Merata Cast

Taika Waititi leads the cast, with Alanis Obomsawin and Awatea Mita.

Also Starring in Merata

· 5 more
Ratings

Merata Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Merata 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 79/100, strongest in character & emotion (88) and weakest in rewatch factor (65).

79 /100

Merata Echo Score Breakdown

Merata presents a heartfelt and educational tribute that excels in emotional depth but occasionally struggles with structural cohesion. Critics praise its intimate perspective and cultural celebration, noting that it illuminates Merata’s legacy with stirring imagery and personal anecdotes. Some commentary points to a somewhat checkered narrative flow and moments feeling akin to a lecture. Overall, the film delivers a meaningful homage while exhibiting minor pacing and organizational unevenness.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 82

    In terms of art and craft, the direction demonstrates assured sensitivity and personal vision, drawing on intimate archival arrangements and restrained compositional choices. Critics note Hepi’s adept handling of transitional sequences and visual framing, though some sections exhibit uneven polish. The result is a largely compelling formal approach with occasional moments that reveal technical roughness.

  • Character & Emotion 88

    When it comes to character and emotion, the film succeeds through intimate storytelling and affective resonance. Reviews highlight the son’s affectionate portrayal of his mother and the documentary’s capacity to elicit empathy. Emotional anecdotes and personal reflections create depth and connection, although a few segments can feel instructive. Ultimately, the film offers a moving testimonial that largely engages the viewer.

  • Story & Flow 75

    In terms of story and flow, Merata balances informative biography with reflective exploration but displays uneven pacing at times. Critics observe that the narrative occasionally adopts a lecture-like structure, interrupting engagement with extended historical exposition. While the documentary compiles compelling archival material and thematic coherence, its sequential transitions can feel disjointed. Overall, it offers valuable insight with some narrative irregularities.

  • Sensory Experience 72

    When it comes to sensory experience, the film employs unobtrusive sound design and a restrained musical score that complement its reflective tone. Critics praise the cohesion between audio elements and visual selections of archival footage, though there is limited emphasis on dynamic cinematic flourishes. The understated visual style and ambient audio underpin the documentary’s contemplative atmosphere while maintaining thematic clarity.

  • Rewatch Factor 65

    In terms of rewatch factor, the documentary offers substantial educational value and emotional appeal on revisitation. Reviews suggest that the depth of cultural and historical context rewards a second viewing, though the lecture-like segments may diminish enjoyment over time. While the film’s intimate perspective sustains interest, its informative structure can feel repetitive. Overall, it retains moderate lasting appeal.

Box office

Merata Box Office

Merata grossed $25,965 worldwide.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$26K

International
$26K
Videos

Merata Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 2 trailers.

Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen | Official Trailer
  • Trailer MERATA | Theatrical Trailer

Seen Merata?

FAQ

Merata FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Merata, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Merata?

Merata runs 1 hour 29 minutes (89 minutes).

When was Merata released?

Merata was released on May 10, 2019.

Who is in the cast of Merata?

Merata stars Taika Waititi, Alanis Obomsawin and Awatea Mita, among 9 credited actors.

How much did Merata make at the box office?

Merata grossed $25,965 worldwide.

How is Merata rated?

Merata has 7.7/10 on IMDb, 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and 67% on TMDB.

Does Merata have a post-credit scene?

No. Merata has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Merata in?

The original language of Merata is Australian english.

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