Land of the Long White Cloud

A Heartfelt Classic

Miriam Harris Nobody (?)

Flicks User Ratings

• Nobody
• Wannabe
• B-Grader
• A-Lister
• Flicks Superstar
• Find out more

At last year's International Film Festival, this was one of the films that knocked my socks off. Florian has made a film that is gorgeously warm, (figuratively as well as literally), and which contains beautifully nuanced editing, cinematography and sound. A documentary like this one is really hard to get right - there's the risk of adopting a condescending tone towards interviewees, of being clichéd or over-syrupy, or striving to capture a quirkiness that seems forced.

'Land of the Long White Cloud' however, is a testimony to the goodwill, honesty and intelligence of its creator. People have opened up to Florian and his team (even some 16 year old guys are shyly prepared to talk about love). An assortment of characters let rip with all kinds of wise and riveting anecdotes, making for a viewing experience that is deeply enjoyable and quirky, without feeling contrived. This film makes you proud to be a NZer - there are scenes that could adorn any postcard, but the content of the film goes beyond the allure of the surface, and is hilarious and heartfelt.