17 Bewertungen
I was overwhelmed by Tina, it's depth, meaning and powerful performances. It's realism captures you from the start, we see a simple woman with a big heart who has seen so much loss in her life turn things around and move mountains when she takes up her new role in the school.
I found myself getting emotional a few times with the emotional rollercoaster we were taken on and how Tina connected with her students and gave them so much in a cold and sometimes ignorant world. I loved Tina's character of a person who called a spade a spade and called out bad behaviour as she saw it. She was real and you got the real thing with her. The final scene really got me as you could see the emotion shining through the students as they gave such a moving performance. This has to be one of the best NZ films I have seen and the best film I've seen so far this year, exceeded expectations.
I found myself getting emotional a few times with the emotional rollercoaster we were taken on and how Tina connected with her students and gave them so much in a cold and sometimes ignorant world. I loved Tina's character of a person who called a spade a spade and called out bad behaviour as she saw it. She was real and you got the real thing with her. The final scene really got me as you could see the emotion shining through the students as they gave such a moving performance. This has to be one of the best NZ films I have seen and the best film I've seen so far this year, exceeded expectations.
Moving and awe inspiring. It was my turn to choose the movie night, movie and I picked Tina. While my partner doesn't like drama style movies he looked to me half way through and said "I love your choice, this is funny" because all New Zealanders know the kiwi humour and we had some good laughs through the movie. The moving story, humour and good acting make this such a great movie for all to enjoy. The story is a beautiful tale of culture, appreciation, perseverance, following your passion and finding healing. I cried a few times and so did another woman on the right of us. We were moved. This film is truly wonderful, a must watch.
- kristahubay
- 27. März 2025
- Permalink
Absolutely moving from start to finish.
Everything was acted incredibly. Anapela Polataivao was absolutely on point. Perfect timing for lines, perfect expressions, absolutely felt this powerhouse of strength. My friend looked to see if it was based on a true story - it wasn't, so I absolutely want to go and hunt down more from writer Miki Magasiva. Amazing story which flowed fantastically. Came out of it feeling at once sad and uplifted, angry at the system which is still so broken. Justice was not served for that community, but it made a difference in the lives of a couple of kids. Maybe that's all we can do - one mind at a time. Maybe that's not good enough.
Everything was acted incredibly. Anapela Polataivao was absolutely on point. Perfect timing for lines, perfect expressions, absolutely felt this powerhouse of strength. My friend looked to see if it was based on a true story - it wasn't, so I absolutely want to go and hunt down more from writer Miki Magasiva. Amazing story which flowed fantastically. Came out of it feeling at once sad and uplifted, angry at the system which is still so broken. Justice was not served for that community, but it made a difference in the lives of a couple of kids. Maybe that's all we can do - one mind at a time. Maybe that's not good enough.
- samanthaschenk
- 15. März 2025
- Permalink
I honestly went to watch this movie because i had some time to spend before catching a flight. I had not read the plot before and when i saw the movies'names, i said "why not this one, there's nothing else interesting anyway".
And OMG, i was so wowed by this movie.
The story is so sad but so wonderful at the same time. I'm not much of a cryer in front of movies but this one gets you in tears.
The acting is so good. The main character is so endearing, reminding us our mothers from the Pacific islands, who can be grumpy while loving us (we all know the giant flip flop :) ).
This really is a must-see movie ! Go and watch Tina, you will not be disappointed.
And OMG, i was so wowed by this movie.
The story is so sad but so wonderful at the same time. I'm not much of a cryer in front of movies but this one gets you in tears.
The acting is so good. The main character is so endearing, reminding us our mothers from the Pacific islands, who can be grumpy while loving us (we all know the giant flip flop :) ).
This really is a must-see movie ! Go and watch Tina, you will not be disappointed.
We saw this movie today. We lost our home to the same earthquake and so we were bound to be affected. This film touches so many sensitive areas but in a peaceful and loving manner. When there is so much anger around it is good to be touched by the emotions born of caring for each other. This film has been made with love for humanity, but it shows a way back for all people to be able to put aside their differences and find that common thread. It shows that the poor can help the wealthy to overcome their difficulties and their grief. This was the most emotional film we have seen in a very long while. This film makes one proud to be a person from the Pacific. I can only recommend this film.
- rbattrick-20569
- 2. März 2025
- Permalink
This original and extremely moving story is set three years after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake when 185 people lost their lives. Tina, a teacher originally from Samoa, is traumatised after her daughter is killed in the earthquake. She is eventually persuaded back into employment, this time at an exclusive, and elite conservative private school. This is a major shift from her previous teaching post where she worked with underprivileged children. The movie explores themes of loss, resilience, race and culture. The sports/rugby culture vs the music/choir culture was a little formulaic, especially the typecast bully of a rugby coach. Aside from that small niggle, the film had plenty of laughs, but we also cried. The music was amazing. Here in New Zealand we are blessed with an internationally acclaimed reputation for choral excellence, and this was superbly showcased.
There wasn't a dry eye in the theatre. This movie made everyone laugh and cry. The performances were amazing and the music was surprisingly well done. The framework of the movie may seem familiar, but there's so much about this movie that is fresh and surprising. Masterful storytelling and pacing. Wonderful homage to mothers and teachers. The two leads were very impressive and perfectly cast. I enjoyed that there were aspects of the characters that they hinted at by different cues, but didn't feel the need to explain it. It's possible that some viewers will miss these cues, as they were seamlessly integrated into the film.
- chastaurima
- 7. März 2025
- Permalink
This film was a tear jerker and absolutely hilarious. You'd go from having cramps from belly laughs to sobbing and blowing your nose into the serviettes you got for your oily popcorn hands. So inspiring and full of talent! Also recognised that parts were shot at my high school so it was so nostalgic.
The acting was awesome but the COMPOSITIONS??? PHENOMENAL!!!
Loved the local talent that was showcased in this film & loved the dedication to Pua.
This film is honestly so deep and profound and touched on so many issues. You'd be silly to miss watching this one. It's worth all the hype and the wait.
Amazing! Just amazing. So, so proud.
The acting was awesome but the COMPOSITIONS??? PHENOMENAL!!!
Loved the local talent that was showcased in this film & loved the dedication to Pua.
This film is honestly so deep and profound and touched on so many issues. You'd be silly to miss watching this one. It's worth all the hype and the wait.
Amazing! Just amazing. So, so proud.
- imdbfan-5253139114
- 24. März 2025
- Permalink
- madonnajay
- 8. März 2025
- Permalink
Awesome movie with a great story, good acting, and excellent casting. It was very emotional and funny-truly a two-hour emotional roller coaster. Being Polynesian, I couldn't be prouder. It was a beautiful blend of great singing and island culture that really hit home. A masterpiece in my eyes. One of the greatest movies I've seen in a long time. These are the kinds of movies that stay with you, that make you feel something when you leave the theatre. Well done, guys-this one's something special. Thank you so much for this, I will be raving to all my friends and family to get behind and make this movie go viral 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌
- djblack-58303
- 9. Apr. 2025
- Permalink
- brin-t-murray
- 15. Apr. 2025
- Permalink
The movie "Tina" from New Zealand follows a Samoan teacher who forms a school choir to heal from loss and bring people together through music. Director and writer Miki Magasiva uses a repetitive and tired theme of redemption through art, which makes the story predictable and unoriginal. But the biggest issue is that he reduces the movie to cheap sentimentality, filled with family drama and repressed youth, manipulating emotions to draw out tears.
The movie also has comedic elements but misses the mark by downplaying the main character's authoritarian and controlling nature.
The movie also has comedic elements but misses the mark by downplaying the main character's authoritarian and controlling nature.
This was an absolutely beautiful film, I can't think of a single criticism.
The storyline, the cast, the music....what an incredible combination of near perfection.
It hit me right in the feels several times, got the hayfever symptoms running in the cinema but luckily it was dark in there!
Although not based on a specific true story, it gathered real-life scenarios to create something so beautiful.
The young cast were incredible performers and assembled with no "big names", aside form Nicole Whippy.
The biggest message I felt they tried to portray was that people can be hurting whether they're poor or priviliged, brown or white...I've never seen a film where I wanted to reach out and hug so many characters.
The storyline, the cast, the music....what an incredible combination of near perfection.
It hit me right in the feels several times, got the hayfever symptoms running in the cinema but luckily it was dark in there!
Although not based on a specific true story, it gathered real-life scenarios to create something so beautiful.
The young cast were incredible performers and assembled with no "big names", aside form Nicole Whippy.
The biggest message I felt they tried to portray was that people can be hurting whether they're poor or priviliged, brown or white...I've never seen a film where I wanted to reach out and hug so many characters.
This brought back so many memories and emotions from such a painful time. There's a particular weight that comes with stories rooted in real-life trauma, especially when they hit so close to home. For many of us who lived through the Christchurch earthquakes, whether directly or indirectly, the memory of that time is etched into our bones. This film doesn't shy away from that reality - instead, it embraces the pain and the beauty in what followed: the resilience and the community connection and support. What truly stood out for me, though, was the direction. This is a great debut from Samoan director Miki Magasiva. There's something incredibly special about seeing Pasifika voices take the lead in telling stories of Aotearoa, especially when it's done with such maturity, sensitivity, and visual storytelling skill. Magasiva's direction is confident and deliberate. He lets the silences speak, gives the actors room to breathe, and allows the emotional impact to build naturally. Thank you to the beautiful cast and crew for bringing this story to life. Thank you, Miki Magasiva, for stepping into the spotlight with such a strong, moving debut. And thank you for making space for our stories, our pain, and our hope to be seen and honoured.
This is one of the finest movies I've ever seen. Anapela Polataivao leads a very good cast in a very moving film. She is exquisite portraying a mother recovering from the loss of her daughter in the Christchurch earthquake. The earthquake scenes are sensitively handled, though terrifying. We met Mareta three years later. She is forced to return to work as a substitute teacher at an elite school. But she is as kind and warm as she is prickly. She starts a school choir when she notices that some of her students need the same sense of belonging that she had lost and also needs. The cast is very good (with one notable exception). This will stay with me for a long time. Take tissues.
Wow - such a powerful movie! It shone a light on our modern society and how we've really confused the priorities in this life. I was hooked right from the start and felt all the emotions throughout the film.
I love the stories of human connection, the NZ humor and seeing the Samoan culture weaved into the story.
I wish all movies had so much substance- I've been craving something like this for a long time. The power of music also amazes me, and this was a beautiful example of it.
Brilliant story telling, wonderful character development and a movie that really hits your soul with the highs and lows of life.
I love the stories of human connection, the NZ humor and seeing the Samoan culture weaved into the story.
I wish all movies had so much substance- I've been craving something like this for a long time. The power of music also amazes me, and this was a beautiful example of it.
Brilliant story telling, wonderful character development and a movie that really hits your soul with the highs and lows of life.
- jacquib123
- 7. Juni 2025
- Permalink
Seldom have a seen a more moving movie.
It is possible that some reference will not translate to all audiences. Knowlege of the devastating earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, would enhance context.
None the less, the human story is global.
It is a story of grief, coping, resilience and the importance of community.
Sure, the baddies are over the top, but anybody who has dealt with "elite" schools will recognize the type.
It is the same with the school children, the stereotypes are arguably over played but not too far from the truth.
The leads are stunning; I look forward to seeing where their careers take them.
It is possible that some reference will not translate to all audiences. Knowlege of the devastating earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, would enhance context.
None the less, the human story is global.
It is a story of grief, coping, resilience and the importance of community.
Sure, the baddies are over the top, but anybody who has dealt with "elite" schools will recognize the type.
It is the same with the school children, the stereotypes are arguably over played but not too far from the truth.
The leads are stunning; I look forward to seeing where their careers take them.