The Man on the Island
2020, English. Directed by Simon Mark-Brown.
The story of one man, and one tiny island
Documentary The Man on the Island is a character study of Colin McLaren, a highly quotable 77-year-old who in the 1970s moved to Rakino, a tiny island in the Hauraki Gulf. McLaren opens up to director (and sometime neighbour) Simon Mark-Brown about his life and inspirations — plus his decision to live off the grid, only venturing back to Auckland to replenish vital supplies. Mark-Brown partially shot the documentary during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown, and its theme of self-isolation is especially resonant in pandemic times. Mark-Brown's CV includes feature The Catch and wine documentary A Seat at the Table.
- Runtime
- Unknown
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- Check local
Too new to call
Not enough people have rated it yet for a verdict.
Seen it? Give your verdict.
Saved privately on this device.
Where to watch The Man on the Island
The Man on the Island isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 22 November 2020.
No streaming listings yet. Search JustWatch.
Cast & crew
Details
- Released
- 22 November 2020
- Country
- New Zealand
- Written by
- Simon Mark-Brown
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
If you liked The Man on the Island
Directed by John Ford
1971 · 7.0/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Come See Me in the Good Light
2025 · 7.0/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Naqoyqatsi
2002 · 6.2/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Ex Libris: The New York Public Library
2017 · 6.4/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Aquaman: Heroines of Atlantis
2019 · 6.2/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Fuck
2006 · 6.4/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
The U.S. vs. John Lennon
2006 · 6.6/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
The Class of ‘92
2013 · 7.1/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Jim: The James Foley Story
2016 · 7.4/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
As I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty
2000 · 7.8/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
The Man on the Island: quick answers
Is The Man on the Island worth watching?
The Man on the Island doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
Does The Man on the Island have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Man on the Island. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Man on the Island parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for The Man on the Island yet.
Which OTT platform is The Man on the Island on?
The Man on the Island isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 22 November 2020. (Checked 12 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Man on the Island?
If you liked The Man on the Island, try Directed by John Ford, Come See Me in the Good Light, Naqoyqatsi.
Who directed The Man on the Island?
The Man on the Island (2020) was directed by Simon Mark-Brown and stars Colin McLaren.