No. 2

A different culture than mine, this was an eye-opener. Tradition counts, feelings do, death is a departing and part and parcel of everything. And so everything turns into a big celebration and tying together feast including pig, trees, foreigners, music and naturally mishaps and power struggles. Features the epic "Bathe In The River", a very moving song by amazing New Zealand musician Hollie Smith and the Mt Raskill local people choir. This film forms an important link in New Zealand film lineage as it is one that portrays a very important happening in an 'island' family living in Auckland's 'wild' west suburbs. We get to experience a largely different and unknown culture right in the middle of a 'normal' suburb. This is Auckland, the city with the world's largest Polynesian population.

There are films and there are films with a soul. No. 2 is a film with a big soul and needs no special effects no big budgets or big names to be a big little film.

It takes the time that is necessary to tell a story so unusual in nowadays cinematic landscape, a story that makes the audience feel and touches the souls of those who are willing to listen to it.

There are wonderful performances of several actors to observe and No.2 shows how a wonderful script has no need for a big budget. It's not a tearjerker or going for the easy laughs, it's not a black and white movie but shows the shades of grey that make life life.

I laughed, frowned, had tears in my eyes, cringed, smiled and felt touched so many times.

It is one of these films that can be distinguished from the majority of films by its ability to make you feel and that somehow cause your whole being to be uplifted by the time you leave the cinema.

It's one of the films that linger and hold the audience so captive that only after the credits have been rolling for quite a while, the first people start to reluctantly file out of the theatre.

I've seen recent reviews of lacking a firm storyline - however I beg to differ. I really liked this film because it was so simplistic to understand, but yet portraying strong themes of a foreign/traditional family living in New Zealand. Additionally, the family as depicted in the film can be seen as being dysfunctional, this factor can reinforce our understanding of the film if one has been exposed to such kind of a family. Anyhow, I must praise the performances of the actors/actresses and in particular Ruby Dee - for instance, when I first viewed the film I though the Dee was a Fijian actress! It came to great shock when I discovered that she was in fact American! In conclusion, I would like to say that I very much enjoyed this little film, it is funny, touching and passionate. If anyone has the chance to watch this film, then DO IT! It isn't to be missed! Out

I had the opportunity to view this film at the Sundance Film Festival. It is a touching story of family ties, those that have been broken and attempts to bind them together again. This movie handles family conflict in an honest and realistic manner. Beyond the family struggles lies the tension of modern ways clashing with the strong cultural traditions of the South Pacific islanders. The film looks at how an indigenous group of people debate the mores of their ancestors. We are reminded that what binds us together is more than just rituals and customs. This film has a solid foundation in its direction. It reflects the quality of film making we are becoming accustomed to from New Zealand ala Whale Rider. The acting is from the heart, you will believe this ensemble is actually a family. It is beautifully shot and takes advantage of the characters' energy and emotion rather than relying on the natural beauty of the land. It is not to be missed.

I was at the premier of this film out in the open air on Auckland's harbor...NZ's Prime Minister was there as she is a great supporter of the arts...I might add unannounced at first. This film can all remind us of someone(s) in our family and is a "feel good" in the end. Way to go NZ and I hope this film does a great showing worldwide...and no I am not from NZ...Canada! The way this country(NZ) has evolved into a great wealth of artistic talent speaks volume for its people and its isolation geographically. Must say I am most impressed with this film...was't sure what to expect and was pleasantly surprised...GO SEE IT!