Watching BAD BLOOD today, one is immediately struck by the similarities between the look, feel, and story of the movie and the contemporary FIRST BLOOD. Both films feature loner heroes who fall foul of polite society and then are forced into becoming fugitives. The difference between them is that FIRST BLOOD is a crowd-pleasing fantasy whereas BAD BLOOD is a brutal true story with all too depressing plot ingredients.The stunning New Zealand locations are some of the best things about this atmospheric and engaging story. It tells of a rural farmer who snaps when the local authorities show up to confiscate his rifles (they need them for the war effort, the film being set during WW2). Murder and a manhunt ensue, all of it directed well by British director Mike Newell (HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE).The emphasis of the film throughout is on realism and the naturalistic performances of the actors enhance the effect. There are some truly jaw-dropping moments to be found here and it's clear that Newell is doing everything in his power to avoid sentimentalising the story, instead sticking to the cold, hard facts. I found the downbeat nature of the production a little too strong for this to be a film you can really enjoy, but it's nonetheless a strong and vivid slice of film-making, and highly memorable with it.

I happened upon this film after watching a documentary with Mike Newell (Donnie Brasco, Four Wedfings and a Funeral) where he mentioned that this was one of his films that he was most proud of but that "practically no one had seen it". Judging by its relatively low score on IMDb I can see that this film was very underrated. This is a cross between Falling Down and Rambo. Set in New Zealand around the time of the Second World War with many of the therefore obligatory beautiful landscapes. Iloved this film. The acting was impeccable all round, the dialogue believable and at no point did it glorify or demonize the main protagonist. Definitely worth a watch and a true shame that this film is not more well known.

Good Day to all the fine people on IMDb, I'd like to comment on the totally amazing movie that was written with such intensity and powerfully dramatic scenes.This movie is one that not too many know of, and is truly a "hidden Jem" of Australian/NZ cinema.The assortment of fine actors in this movie is truly compelling, from the talents of Jack Thompson (Star Wars) to the stunning Michael Teen (amazing!!), I cant believe Michael Teen was un-credited ...the skill brought to this part was INTENSE!!!...to say the least.The scenery is very well shot, excellent camera angles from Mike Newell, brilliant direction.

This movie is boring and dumb. It is boring because they didn't take their time making it. They weren't thinking clearly. Nothing happens for the first hour. And then the wife shouts "POISONDOG" and then nothing happens for the rest of the movie. If you're a fan of the phrase "POISONDOG" or other phrases like that, or Jack Thompson II films, then check out the glory that is... Bad Blood! Otherwise avoid like plague. International. 2000.