No. 2

A rough gem but a gem nonetheless. Slow going at first, as you wonder what it is with these people. Is there any hope? Has this extended family (apparently) totally lost their way in life? Then as you learn bits of the family history, the high walls and broken bridges separating the family start making sense, and you can see possibilities of reconciliation.

Ruby Dee plays (magnificently) the Polynesian matriarch, living in Mt. Roskill, Auckland NZ, for most her life, who knows what's wrong with her scattered cantankerous family and can see the one path that just might set things right -- a little "tough love", Polynesian style. Even though no one else can see the sense in it, they obediently carry out her demand for a family feast in the backyard, to happen that same evening, at which she will announce her successor. All must attend, even those who never come round.

Preparation for the improbable feast involves everyone, and in the process forces communication that's been avoided for years. But they pull it off, because after all, Mama may have lost her marbles but she is still the matriarch. The result is memorable, and validates her foresight.

The film is also, by the way, a great glimpse of suburban New Zealand life, Samoan (or Tongan, not sure) style. See it just for that, and enjoy the story too.

This is a great film portraying human interaction and how families interact.

However, for a film that is supposed to portray a Fijian family, what a pity there was only one Fijian (the Priest) in the cast. The others were mainly a reasonably talented group of Maori and other South Pacific Island actors.

Why could the producers not have found Fijian actors to make the film more authentic?

That the film was produced more or less on our own doorstep (and we had not even heard of it before it was seen in "Shorts") and showed our own well-known and familiar locality added additional colour and interest to our viewing. But of course, a film is always "local" to those who live where it is filmed.

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.

This was one of the most feel good movies I've watched in a long time. I wanted to go straight home after I saw it and give all my family big hugs eh. Great story :) Plus it had Rene Naufahu in it who I love - I wish he was starring in more movies. Set in Mount Roskill, in Auckland, you see another side to life in the big city. Such a real portrayal of family life. I thought all the young actors in the movie did a great job - definitely some up and coming talent amongst them. This movie is definitely one to take your Mum or Dad, Nana or Grandpa, Brother or Sister to and be prepared to get emotional. The storyline itself sounds at first like it is going to be a bit bland, but believe me, you'll never be more moved.

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.