Illustrious Energy

1987 NZ historical drama about two Chinese friends, Chan and the much older Kim, forced to prospect gold in late 19th Century Otago in order to pay off their debts and return to China.

“Marooned until they can pay off their debts and return to China; Chan and Kim have been fruitlessly working their claim for 12 and 27 years respectively. Chan faces racism, isolation, extreme weather, threatening surveyors, opium dens and a circus romance. The renowned feature-directing debut of cinematographer Leon Narbey provides a poetic evocation of the Chinese settler experience; especially vivid are Central’s natural details — desolate schist and tussock lands, rasping crickets.” (nzonscreen.com)

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