Uproar

"Uproar" is a significant New Zealand film starring Rhys Darby and Julian Dennison, delving into racism and Maori inequity. Set during the 1981 Springbok tour, it follows a young Maori boy navigating life in a predominantly white private school. The film masterfully blends humour and gravity, highlighting serious themes with a light touch.

Expect a mix of laughs, tears, and inspiration as it tackles important conversations with grace and authenticity. This film is both a poignant and entertaining portrayal of New Zealand's complex social issues.

Aotearoa New Zealand needs more films like this.

A beautiful commentary on Aotearoa New Zealand in the early 80s, and a moving coming of age story. I laughed and cried, and recommended it to everyone I know.

Julian Dennison is brilliant as the lead character Josh, supported by excellent performances from Erana James, Minnie Driver, Rhys Darby and Mark Mitchinson, among others. Wonderful direction from Hamish Bennett and Paul Middleditch, and I particularly appreciated the authentic and powerful depiction of Maori culture. The haka scene during the protest was amazing.

There was an audible positive response to this film, lots of laughs and gasps throughout, and animated chatting afterwards, always a great sign of a happy audience.

Loved it!

The thing I like most about New Zealanders is ironically the reason we are very bad at making movies. We are a very safe and non-daring people, and so our movies always come across this way. You never get a moment that drops your jaw or takes you off-guard. You always get exactly what you expect from start to finish and that is no different in 'Uproar'. A remarkably forgettable film.

The only thing I found to connect with in this movie was Rhys Darby. Both his character and his performance were terrific. He gave me 'Dead Poet's Society' Robin Williams vibes. If they ever wanted to do a spin-off movie about his character I'd be first in line to see that.

Otherwise though, the film just doesn't work. It isn't funny and so doesn't have that to pave over the cracks. And the story doesn't have the emotional impact, or even close to it, that it would've needed for the film to work. 4/10.

Have just watched this amazing movie and was stunned by the incredible acting from all involved and by an excellent script. As an old codger that was involved in the protest movement which was central to this movie I was touched and moved by the way it was interwoven into the story. Julian Dennison and James Rolleston deserve international recognition for their acting not only in this film but in their previous roles. They are truly gifted. The film is so poignant not only because of the issues it portrays but because they are still relevant today 42 years after the rugby tour of 1981. My film of the year with out a doubt. Highly recommended.

In '80s-based NZ drama "Uproar" half-Maori teen Julian Dennison (great) struggles both at his mainly white school and at home where Brit mum Minnie Driver fights to keep the family afloat after her Maori hubbie's death and older bro James Rolleston pines a rugger career crushed by injury. Through teacher Rhys Darby (good) Dennison naturally exels at drama (set against the rugger he has to play) while in backdrop South Africa's NZ rugger tour stokes racial tensions that bite home via the likes of Dennison's pal Jada Fa'atui. Co-director (with Paul Misdleditch) Hamish Bennett and co-writer Sonia Whiteman pack plenty in, but it works. It's a terrific movie.