Matariki - 2010
Filmwork Production (NZ) - 90 min.
UPC - 9421016371266
Cast: Jason Wu, Susana Tang, Sara Wiseman, Iaheto Ah Hi, Jarod Rawiri, Alix Bushnell, Edwin Wright, Michael Whalley, Mark Ruka, Mabel Wharekawa-Burt.
Writers: Gavin Strawhan, Michael Bennett; Director of Photography: Alun Bollinger; Original Music: Don McGlashan; Editing: John Gilbert; Production Designer: Miro Harre; Costume Design: Jane Holland; Producer: Fiona Copland;
Director: Michael Bennett
It's the Maori New Year, Matariki, a time for new beginnings and the lives of eight people are affected by one random act. A young car thief crosses paths with a rebellious teenage girl and faces his future. A rugby league star saves the life of a small time drug dealer - an act of heroism that brings tragedy to his own family, but his brother learns to stand up for himself and his injured brother's wife comes to accept the love that surrounds her. All-the-while, a nine-month pregnant girl may have found her "angel" in a big-hearted gay man who sells Matariki icons at weekend markets. Cinematography and original music are excellent, but it could have done without the dog incident and some sound mixing was second-rate. Too many "stories" for a 90 minute movie. Shot in South Auckland, mainly Manukau and Otara Market. I had to view it twice and decided that it deserved a higher rating than I first gave it.
Censor Rating: R13 - Review rating: B-
