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At times a little disjointed, "Matariki" is the story of how lives can coincide just through one violent act then overlap and metamorphosize into a new network of connections.

Everyone has their struggles, their strengths and weaknesses in this "slice of life" drama, and we see a common thread of wanting and needing love, of belonging, of being accepted for who and what they are. Sometimes it works out, at other times it doesn't, but more often they just don't really know what to do and things just happen...but they keep trying, however.

Each of the actors believably portrayed their characters: a gay couple living their lives with regular ridicule, a young couple with a baby imminently due that neither wanted in the first place, a mentally challenged man whose dog is his greatest friend, and a couple of teenagers just wanting to get away from the rules and misunderstanding with their parents. The central focus is the act of violence that has left a Maori former sport star in serious condition, his Anglo wife by his bedside. Never having felt accepted by his family before, nevertheless this potential tragedy may bring them together.

While not the most in-depth storyline, the simplicity of the direction, the pacing and subtle points of motive revelations are satisfying, and the climax very emotional. "Matakiri" doesn't try to be too much or full of itself. No over or underacting, and a few really poignant moments with standout scenes by Iaheto Ah Hi as "Tyrone".

I gave it a solid 7 out of 10, as I realize the director was perhaps focusing more on the relationships formed and changed by the attack, you can't help but wish a resolution as a viewer regarding the perpetrators. This is one I would also rewatch, which isn't always the case even with films I like.

So, if you're a fan of films where one event starts a chain re-action through people's lives, you might get something out of this. MIGHT. Every cultural stereotype in New Zealand has been thrown in mix without any real thought or consideration. It works, however, for the 80 minutes leading up to the end, which no matter how desperate the attempt, doesn't have any mental effect on us. It's more informative, than it is deeply affecting. But as a drama, it's good, and at times inspiring. But the film is easily forgettable right after 30 minutes with no real great scenes to talk about afterwards. The attitude does somewhat improve the ending, with some real dedicated acting that will bring tears to your eyes, but not greatly move you. However, the plot gets lost in the middle, before the director paints it black and then resorts to a totally different ending.

The film has no depth-although the acting and characterization are good, in the end they are just making faces and talking pretty. And even though the acting itself is (fairly) good, once the film is finished, we realize that in the end, we just don't care.