The Film TANNA-A True Tale of Tribal Customs & Warfare-A Truly Remarkable Achievement

The Australian film TANNA is a remarkable, indepth look at the indigenous Aborigine tribes living in Kastom Villages on the S Pacific Islands in the 1980's.   The true story about tribal life looks at an amazing culture which has defied outside infiltration; remaining true to their ancient customs & way of life.  The people of Yakel, speaking in Melanesian (with English subtitles) show us what looks to be an idyllic & harmonious way of life at peace with nature & one another.  The lush forests, clear waterfalls, coastal shorelines & volcanic flames paint an unspoiled & breath-taking landscape.  Unfortunately, all is not peaceful between neighboring tribes.  The families within each tribe are handed down traditions &  mandates.  One mandate is arranged marriages.  To help maintain peace between 2 warring tribes, a young woman, Wawa, is promised as a bride to the opposing tribe.  Wawa has found love with Dian of her people & refuses her families instructions & tribal chief's orders to marry as stipulated.  The 2 lovers flee in order to remain together despite incurring vengeance upon their people & risking their own lives.  This is a star crossed lover's tale but it's true & the tragic consequences are resounding.  The cinematography is exquisite & the entire cast convincing & deeply moving.  The film looks like a Nat'l Geographic special but it's an incredible true story from 1987.  As much as the native people fought to remain true to their heritage, they discovered that in order to survive they had to unite & learn to bend to more modern ways of life which include marriage for the sake of love.  TANNA is an exotic and magnificient film that is not to be missed.