KIWI GOLD - New Zealand's Best Films

Across the Tasman Sea from Australia, New Zealand has output a decent crop of cinema over the years. Naturally, as an economy of scale, they make less films, but their overall quality is comparable to any nation. There is a particular tradition of Australia 'stealing' NZ talent - or at least that's what Kiwis (New Zealanders) call it - Australians call it 'adopting' - and as for the talent themselves, they no doubt merely feel they are taking opportunities as they come. As befits our relative place in the world (close to each other and a hell of a long way from anywhere else), NZ films actually share many characteristics with Oz cinema - the landscapes, the underdogs, the small stories well told, the efficiency of craftspeople creating films on budgets miniscule by Hollywood standards, yet equal to them in production standards. Here then, is a suggested list of the best of Kiwi film making, in no particular order. Each will richly reward the viewer and are well worth tracking down.

Whale Rider (2002) dir. by Niki Caro
Not 'just' a good Kiwi film, this is a truly great film by any standards. Tells a magic-realist tale of a young Maori girl living in a remote town in the modern day who yearns to join the boys of the town in their education of tribal ways. She eventually proves herself to have the legendary ability of the whale rider, a mythical role within the tradition of the area. An indication of its impact on the cinema community was that the lead actress, 12 yr old Keisha Castle-hughes, was nominated for a Best Actress at the Academy Awards. Don't miss this stunning film, about kids, but for adults.

In My Father's Den (2004) dir. by Brad McGann
This film tells of a disillusioned photojournalist returning to the politics and family history he left behind many years ago. It is his father's death and funeral that brings him back, and provides the emotional core of the storytelling. He becomes implicated in a crime after befriending a local girl. A masterfully observed drama, this film contains wisdom and craft that belies its origins. Emily Barclay is a standout as Celia, the troubled teen who disappears.

Once Were Warriors (1998) dir. by Lee Tamahori
Powerhouse. A brutal and uncomprimising look at the contemporary urban Maori gang culture. Domestic violence and the strength of the women characters act as undercurrents to the story of a family fighting both with and against its role in society. Unfortunately Tamahoris subsequent work has been largely disapointing, directing XXX2 and Die Another Day amongst other stinkers. Still, Warriors remains essential Kiwi film history viewing.

The Piano (1993) dir. by Jane Campion
What is this film - Australian or New Zealand? It's already listed on this site under the main (Australian) database, but really, it IS a New Zealand film. Due to the funding arrangements it qualified for, and won, Best Film at the Aussie film awards, but in every crucial respect it is actually a Kiwi film. Written and directed by a Kiwi, shot in NZ, starring Americans and Kiwi/Aussie Sam Neil, it seems unfair for Australia to claim this one as its own!

Sweetie (1989) dir. by Jane Campion
An early film by The Piano director Campion. A charming tale of the eccentric character 'Sweetie', played by Genevieve Lemon perfectly. Offbeat, witty, original, it explores the relationships of sisters and families in an utterly fresh and unpretentious manner. A great indy comedy.

Topless Women Talk About Their Lives (1997) dir. by Harry Sinclair
The title is rather misleading. In a film within the film, one of the wacky characters is actually filming a documentary in which, yes, topless women talk about their lives ... But don't let that put you off. This is an utterly hilarious peice of filmaking in which an ensemble of twenty and thirty-something's lives criss cross and intermingle in a series of comic misadventures. It never takes itself seriously which is its charm, and along the way delivers an engaging story that even manages to poke some well-aimed jokes at the cliches of film makers. Top stuff.

Braindead (1992) dir. by Peter Jackson
Horror comedy just doesn't get better than this. Jackson shows why he was destined for bigger things (much bigger - Lord of the Rings, King Kong!) with this superbly directed effort done on very minimal budget but acheiving everything and more it sets out to. Think a NZ version of Evil Dead, this gore fest involves, well ... let's just say LOTS of zombies, blood and guts, and jokes. If you are the kind of person to even consider watching this kind of film, you are going to love it.

An Angel at My Table (1990) dir. by Jane Campion
Shows why, before Peter Jackson came along, Campion was the best director NZ had ever produced. Very much a film to follow Sweetie, it too sketches the story, this time an autobiographical one from the pen of writer (and screenwriter for the film) Janet Frame. Clearly Frame had a difficult shildhood and this film masterfully portays the pains and joins of her formative experiences. Kerry Fox is wonderful as the adult Frame, as are the actors playing her in earlier life.