O le tulafale

'The Orator' is one of those films where the underdog themes of the story also represent the inspirational success of the film itself. This is not a perfect film, but it is an incredibly important one.

As the film's official synopsis points out, writer/director Tusi Tamasese's feature film debut is essentially a drama about age-old themes of 'courage, forgiveness and love'. Saili (Fiaula Sanote) is a dwarf who lives a simple life with as a farmer with his family in a rural village of Samoa in the Pacific Islands. Family quarrels soon begin to surface, with banishments, long-term sibling grudges and love affairs. Against all this, the humble yet cowardly Saili must find the courage to defend his land and his family.

The most interesting aspect of this film is the observation of the intricacies of the Samoan culture – which has yet to be committed to cinema. Set in present day, 'The Orator' presents a contemporary society which is still heavily rooted in tradition.

There is a leadership system headed by wise village chiefs, traditional dispute resolution mechanisms, public natural baths, and a culture whose affinity with their ancestors is so close that they bury their loved ones in their front yard. The 'orating' which the title indicates to is the traditional way in which a village chief speaks on behalf of their village in formal settings.

Tamasese manages to convey a lot of these cultural concepts very subtly within a very universal tale, and without too much blatant exposition. Cinematographer Leon Narbey ('Whale Rider') captures the lush landscapes beautifully and at a very relaxed pace, yet without a made-for-tourists approach.

Almost the entire cast are first-time film actors. Thankfully their authenticity pays off because they get to portray seemingly very realistic Samoan characters. The film also finds time for some light-hearted moments, which should especially make the Pacific Islander audience laugh out loud.

'The Orator' is also significant because it is the first feature film to be shot entirely in the Samoan language – so even more reason for people of Samoan heritage to see this film to grasp moments or funny phrases which may be lost in translation on other audiences.

This is an achievement in foreign independent cinema, and the fact that the film has already made the top 60 shortlist for Best Foreign Language Film category for next year's Oscars suggests that it's worthy viewing.

The Orator was noted in teosoas for its human resonance and insight.

Being a Samoan myself but born and raised in the West, I was surprised at how great this movie captured the roots and essence of Samoan culture.. unlike Broken Promises another Samoan film. I really connected with this one and found it 100% accurate in details of casual Samoan lifestyle. Whether they still commit to sitting under mats waiting on forgiveness I'm not to sure but the film really made me feel I was living my culture and Samoan people know it's usually "the good" that comes out victorious. This film is great I watched it with my partner he enjoyed it (European) and the kids in my family that aren't really familiar with the Samoan culture didn't take their eyes off it and laughed away at the cultural parts.. that makes this film funny.. I hope there's more to come like this film in Samoa.

This is is many ways a difficult film to review. It is purely about one culture and their way of life and it would be impossible to judge or understand such a thing unless you were a part of it.

As a film there are actually some 'accidental' funny moments, see the ending, something that would never be seen in many countries.

It's a slow film but it's worth the watch and I don't think it could have been told more quickly because it matches the Samoan pace of life, lifestyle and perfects its reflections.

The acting was true to life. There were many moments that were heartbreaking and some inspiring ones.

If you don't need a fast hollywood epic or series or brit comedy, and you sometimes like to walk into another nation and see life through their eyes, I think this is a great film for that.

This small budget film came as a surprise to me as I sat through my first viewing. The advertisement for the production did not do justice to the excellent film that I was about to see. This presentation turned out to be one of the best films I have watched in the last 20 years.

The movie does not contain a lot of dialog but each word spoken by the actors has such significance. The delivery of dialog by the actors remains some of the best I can remember. The power of words and the performance of the actors in delivering their lines is remarkable.

The camera uses shadow to great effect in the darkest moments of the film. The use of the door frame reminds me of the last seen of John Ford's movie, "The Searchers". The audience sees the world through the perspective of the main characters as they would see it. Sitting inside and looking at the outside world through that doorway. Brilliant.

The gentleness and strength shown by the actress playing the main female role is worthy of acclaim. So is the honest portrayal of the brother of this woman. He shows us a man who is powerful and of great physical presence and yet also capable of gentleness and understanding of others.

The most gifted performance of this film goes to the main character. What great dignity this actor was able to bring out on to the screen by his portrayal of a man with many challenges in life. I am sure if Spencer Tracey was to see this actor's performance and compare it to his own as the simple fisherman based upon Ernest Hemmingway's Book, that Mr Tracey would congratulate this mans performance.

It has left me wanting to see more of the work of this director and the actors in this film. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a movie that is about the actors ability and the work of the director and camera man to bring the story to the screen without the use of loud music or special effects etc.

It is a story that is very well told and leaves me moved by what I saw.