Bellbird

Hunt for the Wilder People meets all Creatures Great and Small.

Not really.

There are some light moments but this film is not a feel good movie. It is essentially about grief and having to overcome what can't be fixed in the back blocks on a dairy farm in Northland, New Zealand.

The cast includes Rachel House (Hunt for the Wilder People) and Marshall Napier (McLeod's Daughters). Cohen Holloway is excellent as Bruce.

As ever with NZ, the scenery and setting holds the attention no matter what the storyline is.

I had little idea what to expect when this premiered on the big screen in Sydney (June 2019) and found an assured well-crafted story with lots of heart, no baloney, and a good few laughs along the way. The subject matter is quiet and low-key, but never dull, and the storytelling clear and smart (one example: a sequence intercut between a few hesitant ukulele notes developing into a tune, and a character getting to grips with performing his work). The intent of every sequence is clear, often with a dash of sly wit. Marshall Napier in particular gives a flawless performance as a very real character. The style owes a bit to "Boy" and "Hunt for the Wilderpeople" (not a bad thing) and the delicate balance between low-key realism and warm comedy is hardly ever strained. There's so little to quibble about, all relatively trivial (a horrible cut in one sequence, a slightly out-of-style use of hand-held camera in another) that the main impression remaining is the obvious assurance of the writer/director, however long he's been at it. More to the point, experiencing this film was so evocative and entertaining that I've logged in afresh to write this first review in the hope that others might also enjoy it. And no, I have no connection at all with the production, though I wish I could say that I did.

Derek Morton

Less is more they say, and that holds true for this simple, honest film.

Having lived in rural NZ for a number of years, the film evoked a lot of memories, and captured both the stoicism and the warmth of rural communities in New Zealand.

I loved this film for it's sincerity.

Yes it is slow. Yes it is simple. But it'll put a smile on your face, and some warmth in your heart.

It's true that this is a slow burner, and its story is woven with care and attention to detail. Some of the actors are not known to me, but some were familiar faces - a good mix. I did feel a similarity to Hunt for the Wilder people to start with, but that soon went on its way, and it wandered along its own path. I found I was engrossed and anxious that nothing would interrupt my viewing - and the scenery and birdsong were beautiful. The characters were particularly well-drawn and the rural community were obviously written by someone who knows them well, and portrayed accurately too. I have seen some very good NZ productions over the past few years and this has to be up there with the best - perhaps I might edit it to a 10 after a second viewing. (I must ask someone about Cows' sense of humour though)

Stunning film that just drips with real. Nothing showy - nothing over done - just community and family life that pulls you in as an observer. Just totally wraps you in a blanket of living. So beautifully scripted, acted and directed. It moves you in such a profound way but at the same time it is that favourite pie you eat for lunch. Comforting but different, expected but unexpected....