Movies
New Zealand Movies
Enter the world of New Zealand movies with these masterpieces of film in New Zealand. Our top ten New Zealand films span fantasy, drama, biopic, Maori myth and comedy genres.
New Zealand is well known for its contribution to the world of film, largely thanks to the efforts of Peter Jackson. His adaptation of the epic Lord of the Rings trilogy, written by JRR Tolkien, became an award winning global phenomenon. But in the great Jackson's shadow, lie other outstanding New Zealand film makers who create cinematic brilliance.
New Zealand movies are known for their darkness, violence and head-on confrontation of social issues. This impression has even been strong enough for actor Sam Neill to coin the term "cinema of unease" to describe films in New Zealand.
Judge for yourself if this name is apt by checking out these ten great New Zealand films:
1. Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001, 2002, 2003)
Perhaps an obvious choice for a number one pick, but a well deserved placing, considering the role of this trilogy in catapulting Peter Jackson (and New Zealand film) onto the world stage. The Lord of the Rings became a certified 'phenomenon' in the years before, during and after the release of these highly anticipated New Zealand movies. In the trilogy, we see a satisfying and ambitious portrayal of Tolkien's mammoth book, and a Middle Earth filled with actors from Hollywood and New Zealand, who bring each character to life. Special effects and location were also big players in the Lord of the Rings series, with expert elfs' ears, digital effects and stunning New Zealand scenery sharing centre stage with the films' stars.
2. The Piano (1993)
Directed by Jane Campion, The Piano is a dark and memorably atmospheric film, starring Sam Neill, Harvey Keitel, Holly Hunter and Anna Paquin. Set in the mid-nineteenth century, the film tells the tale of Ada, a mute woman, who arrives in newly-settled New Zealand for an arranged marriage with a man she has never met. In tow are her daughter, Flora, and her beloved piano. When new husband, Stewart, sells her piano to their neighbour, George, Ada enters into a complicated situation to reclaim possession of her piano. When the relationship with George escalates, they are propelled into dangerous territory. The haunting portrayal of Flora by Anna Paquin earned the young actress an Oscar, making her the second youngest Oscar winner ever.
3. Once Were Warriors (1994)
The work of Lee Tamahori shocked and disturbed many in New Zealand. Based on Alan Duff's novel of the same name, the film is set in urban Auckland and tells the story of the dysfunctional Heke family. Jake Heke is an abusive man who terrorises his wife and children, leading ultimately to a string of tragic events. During the course of the film, we enter into a world of gangs, violence, drug use and suicide. For many, it is the truth of the film that cuts to the heart of our dis-ease at watching these events unfold: the lives shown in the film could be real New Zealand lives. Through Once Were Warriors, we catch a glimpse of New Zealand's hidden world.
4. Whale Rider (2002)
Directed by Niki Caro, the film Whale Rider is an adaptation of Witi Ihimaera's novel of the same name. Set on New Zealand's east coast, Whale Rider focuses on the Whangara people and their mythically-inspired existence. Tracing their lineage back to a single ancestor, Paikea, who rode to shore on a whale after the capsizing of his canoe, they carry on the patriarchal leadership of their tribe. When Koro, a young girl, seems fated to be the next chief, her grandfather and the tribe themselves are forced to confront centuries of tradition. The role of Koro is played by Keisha Castle-Hughes, who received a Best Actress Oscar nomination.
5. The World's Fastest Indian (2005)
Created by Roger Donaldson, the World's Fastest Indian brought the life of New Zealander Burt Munro into the spotlight. This entrepreneurial man spent years building a 1920 Indian motorcycle, on which he was eventually to set the land-speed record in 1967. Through the skill of Anthony Hopkins, who brings the passionate Munro to life, and the thread of kiwi ingenuity which runs through the tale, the film becomes more than the typical 'against all odds' success story. Munro, with typical Kiwi ingenuity, gives his all to achieve his dream. This feel-good film will leave you feeling on top of the world.
6. Heavenly Creatures (1994)
Another Peter Jackson effort, Heavenly Creatures is a film of beauty and substance. Set in the real world, Jackson's trademark love of fantasy insists on making an appearance. Based on a true story, Heavenly Creatures examines the lives of Juliet Hulme and Pauline Parker, two Christchurch schoolgirls who were convicted of killing Pauline's mother. Through the camera's lens, we see the rich fantasy life shared by the two girls. Increasingly estranged from family and reality, Juliet and Pauline conspire to murder, leading the viewer on a journey towards the inevitable. Haunting, touching, beautiful and sparse, this film stars Kate Winslet and Melanie Lynskey.
7. Sleeping Dogs (1977)
An early effort from the director of The World's Fastest Indian, Sleeping Dogs laid the foundations for New Zealand film. Based on CK Stead's novel Smith's Dream, the film stars Sam Neill as the reclusive Smith, drawn into a battle between guerilllas and right-wing activists. Having left his wife and child, Smith becomes the 'man alone', unwittingly playing a role in the resistance movement and finding himself cast as a revolutionary. Images of a fascist society, armed police and anarchic violence were shocking to New Zealand's viewing public in the 1970's, although they didn't reflect the reality of New Zealand life. This was the first New Zealand film to be released in the United States.
8. Sione's Wedding (2006)
The work of Chris Graham was one of New Zealand film's biggest successes in 2006. Best friends Michael, Albert, Stanley and Sefa make a promise not to ruin Sione's wedding day. With a record of misbehaving, drinking and wreaking havoc, Sione issues an ultimatum. Each of them must bring a date, a real girlfriend, to the wedding, or they're not allowed to come at all. Will they be able to get it together in just one month? For those familiar with television show Bro'Town, there will be some familiar voices.
8. The End of the Golden Weather (1991)
An Ian Mune masterpiece, The End of the Golden Weather centres on the life of Geoff Crome, a young boy who lives a rich fantasy life. When his path crosses that of Firpo, a strange man who dreams of Olympic greatness, the two form a close friendship. Together, they celebrate their 'outsider' status and believe in the impossible. When Geoff's brother tells him "Miracles are mad", the young boy remains unshaken in his assertion that "Anything can happen." This funny, yet poignant, film captures the world of imagination and fantasy so vividly inhabited during childhood. Coupled with creative cinematography and stunning New Zealand scenery, this film avoids clichés and remains true to the spirit of Bruce Mason's one-man stage play, on which this film is based.
10. Scarfies (1999)
Robert Sarkies directs this tale of student life gone awry. In Scarfies, five students from Otago University squat in an abandoned house, only to discover hidden loot in the form of a large marijuana stash. The temptation for these cash-strapped students leads them down a path of crime, risk and danger, which quickly spirals out of control. With an unnerving atmosphere similar to that of cult classic Shallow Grave, the film's beginning as a light laugh soon descends into the realm of black comedy.
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Arts images from Flickr: Movie Set, Maori Carving and Wellington Sculpture.
