White Lies

I had no hesitation in giving this film 10 out of 10. I thought it was extraordinary, as did everyone else in the cinema. Everyone sat respectfully and watched the credits roll and comments heard as we left the cinema were without exception complimentary. What a story - quite dark but very moving as we see the collision of two cultures. I believe White Lies has the potential to win Viewers' Choice Awards at film festivals. There was not a false note in it for me, although some may find Antonia Prebble's character quite rigid - but she needed to be. I am going to see this film again later this week, and it's not often that I do that.

Important and heartful. All children can benefit. THESE STORIES ARE MEANINGFUL AND NEED TO BE TOLD. CONGRATS TO DR.

This was a superb film highlighting the clash of cultures and the ramifications resulting therefrom. In this case, it is a clash between traditional Maori and English colonial cultures. What is the value of culture and what is the price of conformity?

It is a well-developed movie. The acting was very good. The characterization was rigid and predictable based upon a viewer's initial observation of the characters and their respective roles, which actually enhanced the maintenance of the secret until late in the movie. Clues are provided that almost reach the level of red-herrings, but they are real clues with multiple interpretations that become clear as the movie progresses. All is not as it originally seems.

I happened to be on an Air New Zealand flight that offered a selection of New Zealand-made films or I probably never would have had the opportunity to see this excellent film. If I had a vote, it would get my vote for best foreign film.

Despite the myopic comment referring to the title being inappropriate, it couldn't be more valid to the story line. A "White Lie" is a lie that is perceived as being harmless or trivial and told to avoid hurting another persons feelings. This is exactly the theme. It is a story set in the post-colonial period of New Zealand where cultural beliefs clashed heavily against one another. It was a time where necessity often meant that people would have to give up their identities in order survive in an environment that had very little opportunity (or compassion) for the native race that had suffered the typical injustices of colonialism. Against this backdrop is the story of a mother and her daughter who are trapped in a lie - a lie that separates them from their culture, as well as from each other. It is to a very sad extent that the mother drives her daughter to an impossible way of life all for the sake of blending in and the perception of wealth and well-being.

An incident drives her mother back to her native roots to find a solution for her daughter - who is facing severe consequences, possibly fatal. From this point the mothers fears and lies are confronted.

It is a slow, quiet but very emotional tale. The three main characters portray this emotion wonderfully.

Admittedly, this may not be a tale for everyone, but it does try to convey the struggles that were undoubtedly common for this time period. And as such, the way the movie depicted a mothers love for her daughter and the extent she will go to give her what she thinks her daughter needs, suited the era it was set in.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. It was a pleasant surprise.

My daughter directed me to this site after we re-read some of the reviews for this film. I have to admit we read a review in the Herald, the Listener and even heard one on the National radio (where they called 'Rachel House' 'Rachel Church'!) and we decided not to see it. We thought our regular cinema would surely close the film down given the Luke warm reviews. Yesterday we went along to our local cinema with a view to see a festival film and we noticed 'White lies' was still on. After a lot of sighing and changing of minds we decided to see it.

I am so glad we did.

What a powerful and remarkable film. I wholeheartedly accept the criticism of some of the clichéd dialogue from various reviews hence my 9 out of 10.

Whirimako Black gives a very assured performance for a newcomer though clearly she is a storyteller of some repute in the music world. Elizabeth Hawthorne gives a full bodied performance that we've come to expect from such an acting heavyweight. Like wise Nancy Brunning gives us a textured and full character that adds a well needed warmth to our lead protagonists journey. Antonia Prebble is indeed a porcelain doll as described by others. Yes, she is cold and unlikeable and the journey she goes on throughout this story that gives us real insight into the reasons behind this behaviour is executed remarkably well for such a young actress. In other words I believed her and followed her journey entirely. All of these performances were wonderful- but it is the servant Maraea that I couldn't stop thinking about- who I am still thinking about. What an intriguing story and an absolutely outstanding performance by Rachel House. For both my daughter and I and in turn all of our friends who we managed to convince to go along and see the film- it is this part of the story that we are most torn up about. "Like watching a dam about to burst" is how one of my friends described Houses performance.

I encourage you all to go and see the film yourselves. I hope the overseas critics understand the qualities of this film better than those ones here.