Apron Strings 2008

Once Were Worriers

 3

The theme of two mothers fretting about their kids is about as plain as a movie can be story-wise. The disparity in ratings here reflects on one hand the desire to protect local film makers compared to whether the movie works on its own merits. The film is neither great nor bad; but there is nothing unique about it.

By Chief Squirrel

Impressive!

Just got this out on DVD. Wow, couldn't believe that this film is a LOW BUDGET! The cost is only a third and sometimes a quarter of most kiwi films and it looks amazing - I'm studying film. Even on DVD it looked great and at least it has style and taste, unlike many low budget movies. So well done to the filmmakers.

A solid simple story with a big heart. Recommend this to anyone.

By Fred

Apron Strings?

 1

one word...
CR*P.

By Disappointed

No.

 1

There's no negative 1.

By anon

Looked beautiful, only if story was better

 4

It looked great for a low budget, compared to other kiwi films. I would agree with the official reviews so far, some lovely performances, looks great and lots of style, just the story wasn't too strong and a bit loose, particularly the Indian story which gives the film lots of colour and texture. Yes, agreed it is stereotypical but I thought it was stylistically intended that way.

Loved Jennifer Ludlum and Jodi Rimmer - most real and heartfelt. Nice to see a film with Indian content in NZ for once! Must be a first.

By Masha

Brilliant

 5

I was enthralled with the movie, excellent script, great plot.
Five stars from me. And I might add I have no connections to anyone or anything in the movie industry.
I am gutted to read so much negative stuff here, talk about tall poppy stuff.
Well done everyone connected with this movie.

By Colin Cleave

Captivating!

 4

I thoroughly enjoyed the film although the ending didnt feel quite right. Like it didnt feel like "the end" but it also did not feel like it was left kinda open on purpose(leading to a potential sequel) it just didnt feel quite like it had ended properly. Apart from that I really enjoyed it and loved the regular references to food...I think that worked in really well with the storyline as the food helped relate the audience to the cultural uniquness of each character. I thought Scott Wills did an amazing job as the down-n-out gambling addict too :-)

By Alexandria

Excellent movie

 4

Captured the tension of disfunctional families very well. Was different from other films with cross-cultural themes, bringing a new perspective. Most actors exceptionally good. I was totally absorbed from beginning to end. Very glad I went and am telling all my family and friends to go. Good luck with getting funding to make some more movies.

By Pat

disgrace

 1

Awful film written by hack amateur screenwriters. This should never have been given funding. Especially seeing as the budget was 2 million and it's grossed under a 100 grand. Great use of tax payers money.

Yeah right

By mary p

Dreadful script delivered by wooden actors

 1

By gary mayes

AWFULLY TRITE

 1

Cloying and turgid, laughably banal throughout , APRON STRINGS should appeal to anyone who's interested in watching sub-par, bland, made-for-tv drama-lite. the multi-cultural elements feel forced, the direction is pedestrian and the acting one-note across the board. The audience laughed in the wrongs places occasionally. the script hits the viewer over the head with heavy-handedness. its humourless, lacking in observation and the drama i forced and shrill. Its not bad enough to make one cringe, but its not watchable enough to engage.

By john k

You're not in Kiwi-Gothic-ville now, Dr James.

 4

Yes! After over a hundred years of Indian immigration to Aotearoa, we finally have an Indian family sharing centre stage with a Pakeha family in a local feature film. And family dynamics are at the centre of this multi-cultural story in which rounded characters pull away from the clichés of simplistic stereotyping. Jennifer Ludlum and Leela Patel deserve awards for their utterly convincing performances, and Scott Wills totally nails the psyche of a compulsive gambler. Verdict: A heart-warming film crafted with delicacy and wit, and obviously made from a script sensitive to the emotional truths of mothering and being mothered. Don’t go expecting to see lonely souls battling grand, tormenting landscapes. But do go see it!

By Virginia

Cute little Kiwi film with heavy undetones

 4

I really enjoyed Apron Strings, it's a little predictable but hits on some important issues - mother/son relationships, the differences between generations, and the similarities between cultures. For a low budget film it was well put together, with all round top notch production value. Entertaining and thought provoking, this is a timely film with wide appeal.

By Matt

a soap opera

 1

This film was like a TV soap opera. So predictable. Every character a stereotype. That's why the audience laughed at things that weren't funny, e.g. a white having a black baby, or Michael sayig he was gay. It was good to see NZ's multicultural diversity portrayed on screen and the film was well made. But if I want to see a soap opera I'll stay home from work and watch afternoon TV thanks.

By james

apron strings

 5

I throughly enjoyed this movie

By Anne

Another Kiwi gem

 5

Caught this at the festival. Certainly worth a look. A real slice of Auckland and a great tale for mums and sons!

By B John

Apron String Propels NZ Filmmaking in a Wider World....

 5

...than just gumboots, and blokes.

A tapestry of Auckland cultures collides in this gem of a drama, Apron Strings. This is a first feature effort for not only its writer, but also its director and producer.

An all women team have put together a marvelous film that teaches us about tolerance, and understanding; when to draw the line, and when to let down your guard. It is truly the best New Zealand film in decades.

By Jay Hollows