LouHomey
From my favorite movies..
ScoobyMint
Disappointment for a huge fan!
PiraBit
if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.
Aubrey Hackett
While it is a pity that the story wasn't told with more visual finesse, this is trivial compared to our real-world problems. It takes a good movie to put that into perspective.
Saifullah Sajid (nbig868)
What a lovely film made with the collaboration of Brits and Kiwis. Very unusual essence felt when i watched that very film and i was quite amazed that how Kiwis has proved itself and its cinematic effectiveness to the whole world. I mean what a composition of lovely location with griping story line , best camera , mysterious lightning wonderful photographic shoots taken with the slight touch of smooth veering direction and most of all noticeable acting of all the out sooner underdogs performers of Europe. Little slow(European be like) but soon the film goes by you are not even know you are breathing or no. And most amazing thing is that the topic is quite disturbing but still it does not creates that significant disturbed feeling. A quite must watch film to all the film lovers.
hangmansjoke666
Before i watched this movie i expected a thriller because of the basic storyline. actually this is more a drama but that doesn't make it worse.The story itself is very intense and interesting, u can feel with the characters which probably may be because of the really great acting. Even if there isn't one great Hollywood actor in this movie.i would really suggest to watch this movie to everybody who likes movies with a deep story that takes you on a ride through a tragedy.Besides, i suggest to watch it carefully because it is not directed linear, so u have to be careful otherwise u maybe can't follow the story.
ryuakamrvengeance
One of the true gems of cinema and a must see for all fans of world cinema. Mathew McFadyen is absolutely terrific as "Paul", and displays a real talent and understanding of the character. Newcomer Emily Barclay is also brilliant, playing the naiive, but refreshing "Celia".It is one of those films that keeps you guessing all the way through, and will give a handful of twists at the end for you to revere and reminisce on as you look back on the fantastic 120 minutes we have just witnessed.There is some excellent directing on show from Brad McGann and shows off the beautiful New Zealand landscape, without covering it head to toe in Orcs. He plays with the narrative to create a compelling, engrossing story, that never looks tired weak or pretentious, and shows that thrillers don't all have to be hi-tech Clancy-like over ambitious renditions of the same tired clichés.Miranda Otto seems strangely misplaced in this film, and never seems totally in control of her character, but despite that this film is near flawless and shows a different side to film making, one that comes directly from true film lovers and not penned down by some Hollywood writing monkeys.A must see for all film lovers, whether or not you are appreciative of world cinema, a brilliant lesson to all aspiring filmmakers, that sometimes a great story is all you need.
jetaisla21
I had a unique perspective on this film, having spent my teenage years in the area as a migrant to NZ, I had returned for matters concerning my own elderly father, and spent some time in Roxburgh last year before finding this film, which I watched twice over on the airplane (ANZ)returning home. I was particularly struck by the message that it conveys regarding migration, something of much relevance to all New Zealanders who don't claim native status. It was the idea that migrants often have compelling reasons to leave - both for past generations and for young New Zealanders who make all or part of their careers abroad, like Sam Neill himself. New Zealanders who investigate their family tree in the UK or elsewhere often discover rather sordid details - abandoned wives, deceptions etc. which are then glossed over in the new life. Not just NZ of course, the USA has much the same pattern. The sub plot of religion in the film had that feel of covering over such truths about abandonment, as well as the revelation about the true feelings of the brother who stayed home,and his actions. So being sensitive to this, and knowing very well the particular High School situation portrayed, I thought it not only conveyed the small town desperation syndrome very well portrayed by Maurice Gee in his writing, but a wider thinking about 'home' which can cause problems when the 'prodigal' New Zealander who lives abroad actually does 'come home' for a while. New Zealanders are supposed to be the most travelled people on earth. But whereas the Irish have widely studied the effects of their 'diaspora' on family stability and relations, New Zealanders are rarely so introspective. I think this film is a great effort at helping to value knowledge about and support for migrants of all kinds. More than that, the journalist's career abroad and the effect on him psychologically, showed a support for the less fortunate (such as victims of forced migration and asylum in war) that is often difficult to convey to those happy in the wealth and peace of New Zealand. So the film showed the selfish side of apparent stability and security which can be an insular anti-intellectualism as well.Not sure this film can be shown to school children in NZ, but certainly worth showing to teachers everywhere.
