Pecking Order

Pecking Order looks at the rivalries and obsessions of a group of New Zealand chicken breeders from Christchurch on the months leading up to the National Poultry Show. Like many similar documentaries its focus is a very unusual activity and the eccentrics who partake in it. Needless to say, there are a few funny moments along the way but not maybe as many as you might expect. This is partially down to director Slavko Martinov who commendably does not make his subjects look foolish with cheap editing techniques. He fairly depicts everybody in an even-handed manner and allows us to see the wider picture as much as is possible. There is perhaps a lack of true dramatics here, aside from some background politics amongst the members of the chicken club. But it is all fairly minor stuff and there aren't really any major dramas. It's probably partially on account of these people being even headed Kiwis that things don't get out of hand, if this had focused on chicken people from a more volatile part of the world I guess the feathers would well and truly be flying. The participants here do genuinely seem like a nice bunch of folks, so there aren't any pantomime villains. Nevertheless, like all good docs you find yourself drawn into a world you know literally nothing about and I started to think I could spot a good-looking chicken. This is definitely an enjoyable watch which goes for a lightly amusing approach as opposed to full-on comedy, as a result it feels a little truer to the people involved.

I was looking for a documentary about sibling rivalry and stumbled across Pecking Order. After realizing my mistake it was too late - I could not turn it off. I thought about turning it off and watching it together with my wife later on but instead watched it twice. I wish there were more documentaries like this.

This is an impressively well crafted documentary about a charming group of people in the Christchurch poultry club. The film shows a very honest portrait of the characters, without ever taking a mock at their peculiar hobby. It soon becomes clear that the filming takes place during unforeseen events shaking things up several notches, and the filmmaker handles these circumstances in an excellent manner. There are so many layers to this film, I can see it being enjoyed by a wide range of audiences.

What could have easily turned in to a one-dimensional film about some kooky players in the show circuit, or even something close to a mockumentary, rather turns out to be an unexpected political film dealing with the universal themes of power structures, obsessions and the inevitability of progress. I'm impressed at how well it all blends together - the comedy, drama and peculiarities of this particular setting. I saw the film in New Zealand, but could definitely recognize the Scandinavian culture I grew up in. It's a film that should go well with audiences from all continents.

I loved every second of it. A highly recommended must-watch!

If you happen to be looking for a show to watch with the whole family, go no further than Pecking Order. Our children can't wait for the lockdowns to end so we can go to a poultry show and maybe even New Zealand.

My husband and I went to see Pecking Order at the Harbour Lights cinema Southampton on 10/10/2017. We have kept a small number of chickens in the past so were sure we would love it. Well, we both did. We loved the interaction between the people at the clubs, even though they were having the usual problems that occur in any club situation. Been there done that. Loved the birds, the honest and caring way they are raised and prepared for the shows.My husband has an Uncle in Christchurch who we have lost contact with.Love seeing how people live there. Would love to visit but late 60s early 70s now. Not practical. We shall be watching with interest in future. Well done to everyone involved in the making of this film/documentary.