Erin Hodson

I am a 6th generation New Zealander. My Irish ancestors, like many others, emigrated here in 1835 to escape the terrible conditions. I have spent many hours researching my family history and am captivated especially by my Irish heritage. Like the main character my many-times-great grandfather Michael Murphy was also a deserter, and when captured recieved a flogging that hospitalized him for 45 days, so this movie resonates deeply with me. It was after this he made the decision the take his family to the other side of the world in search of a better life, and now has many thousand desendants in N.Z. This movie is a brilliant depiction of what our forbears had to endure and serves as a tribute to their strength and resiliance. The use of Gaelic throughout the film was a highlight I thought, as I have never heard any more than a couple of words put together. A beautiful langauge.