Follow us on

Dvd

Matariki

Matariki

2009

Kiwi independent drama from debut director Michael Bennett (TV's Outrageous Fortune).

It’s the Maori New Year, Matariki – a time for new beginnings – when the lives of eight people are affected by one random act of violence. Aleki, a master car thief, crosses paths with rebellious teenage girl, Spit. Rugby league star Tama saves the life of desperate Gunge – an act of heroism that brings tragedy to his own family. Rick, Tama’s brother, learns to stand up for himself and Megan, Tama’s wife, comes to accept the love that surrounds her; while Lisa, pregnant and wishing on angels, finds a real angel in Tyrone, a big-hearted man who sells Matariki icons in the weekend markets.

Starring Jason Wu, Susana Tang, Sara Wiseman, IaHeto Ah Hi, Jarod Rawiri, Alix Bushnell, Edwin Wright , Michael Whalley, Mark Ruka

Directed by Michael Bennett (feature debut)

Written by Michael Bennett, Gavin Strawhan

Cinematographer Alun Bollinger

Music by  Don McGlashan

Festivals & Awards Winner of Best Supporting Actress (Wiseman), Aotearoa Film & Television Awards 2011.

Drama | 1hr 32mins | Origin: New Zealand | Official Site »

Trailers
Reviews
  • SHARE:
    Tweet This Send to Facebook Email View more services

The Talk

48 votes / 1 comments

13

Want to see it

What say you? Yes No

  •  

     

  • Quik_Flix

    I'm keen to watch this...!Would be good to win the dvd...!

  •  

     

1 of 1 - View all

Get it off your chest:

Want to see it?

Flicks review

  •  4

    The steady stream of quality New Zealand films in 2010 continues unabated with this most recent effort. The title is a reference to the Maori New Year, signalling the film’s central concern with rebirth and new beginnings while simultaneously commenting on the difficulties of modern multicultural society.

    Making up the plot are multiple storyline strands that intersect at key points. The way they are handled gives the story a sense of place and community, heightened by imagery easily identifiable for New Zealand audiences. This allows for effective comparisons and contrasts between the experiences of characters that come to have more in common than it would initially seem. Keeping in this spirit, the visual style of the film is reasonably basic and allows the solid ensemble cast (many of whom you’ll recognise from local TV) to do their thing. There are moments of genuine aesthetic flair, however, most notably a time-lapse transition from the night sky to the Otara markets.

    It is the final sequence that is the film’s crowning achievement. The social commentary and cheeky humour dissipate as all the subplots collide, each heightening the emotional gravitas of the others, paying off the careful narrative structuring that has come before. It’ll have you leaving the cinema satisfied and caps off a great year for New Zealand film.

    Agree? Disagree?...

The people's reviews

18 reviews

  • Aleki

     5

    ngahiraka

    Nobody (?)

    ive fallin love with Jason Wu,becouse he remaids me of the boys of were i come from

    Agree? Disagree?...
  • No.1 NZ movie !!!

     5

    ADA SHI

    Nobody (?)

    It is most educational and most significance movie in the world.I support NZ local movie!!

    •  

       

    • Emma8

      all da way moite!!

    •  

       

  • Watch this !

     5

    freshdude

    Superstar (?)

    A fabulous kiwi film, that sadly is not getting the audiences it deserves ... sadly, most New Zealanders rather watch mindless, spiritless American crap than go and see a beautiful flick like MATARIKI.
    That's nothing new but it seems to be getting worse ... come on NZ sort yourself out !

    Agree? Disagree?...
  • Nice flick

     3

    james

    Nobody (?)

    Just caught this, pleasant film, well made, with some nice local performances. Bennett has talent as a director, however the serious lack of box-office means it may be a very long time before he ever gets another chance.

    Hopefully it finds an audience on DVD.

    Agree? Disagree?...
  • 7-star rating for Matariki...

     5

    Phil

    Nobody (?)

    Everything about this movie is superb - concept, stories, script, performances - a wonderful affirmation of life and love with all the complexities and subtleties - sadly too rare today.

    Agree? Disagree?...
  • haaiilll yyyeeehhh

     5

    anna

    Nobody (?)

    mean maori mean...... this movies the shizzam,,, straight up go see it go... u know u want tooo

    Agree? Disagree?...
  • Definitely need the tissues for this one!

     4

    Polygurl

    A-Lister (?)

    Very similar theme to the movie "Crash" where one incident effects the lives of many other people in different ways. I liked that this movie was made in NZ, and it was heartwarming to recognise familiar surroundings like the Otara flea markets and some parts of Mangere in South Auckland!

    One part of the storyline was just plain weird and far-fetched, even for South Auckland haha.. And I'm pretty sure the Police don't allow their officers to guard hospital wards for the sake of their colleagues.. But yeah, those were my only gripes.

    Movie was slow to get into, but really pulled you in after a while. Ending was superb. Special mention to Iaheto Ah Hi.. He provided the laughs in between the tears :)

    Agree? Disagree?...
  • a little bit of everything

     5

    elisa

    Nobody (?)

    fantastic movie - made me laugh, made me cry and made me think a lot about hope and relationships and being a part of this beautiful world of people

    Agree? Disagree?...
  • Go see it!

     5

    Jude

    Nobody (?)

    Awesome movie - it's got a bit of everything - laughter, tears, fights, love - don't miss it!!

    Agree? Disagree?...
  • Saw it at the Toronto International film festival...

     5

    Robyn

    Nobody (?)

    It was a very powerful, engaging movie. Michael Bennett answered questions after and he is awesome. I will watch it again and you will too. :)

    Agree? Disagree?...

Write your review...

  • After submitting your review, you will need to login or signup to Flicks.
    Don't worry though, we'll keep your review and post it after you're done.

Search For a DVD

I beg your pardon?

  • Flicks.co.nz is serving the great nation of NZ with all things cinematic. Question about a movie or cinema? Thoughts on the site? Quips, gripes, advice for our own personal self-development?
  • Get in touch with us by email at ED@ FLICKS.CO.NZ,on TWITTER oron FACEBOOK.

Flicks User Ratings

Find out more