Uproar

The thing I like most about New Zealanders is ironically the reason we are very bad at making movies. We are a very safe and non-daring people, and so our movies always come across this way. You never get a moment that drops your jaw or takes you off-guard. You always get exactly what you expect from start to finish and that is no different in 'Uproar'. A remarkably forgettable film.

The only thing I found to connect with in this movie was Rhys Darby. Both his character and his performance were terrific. He gave me 'Dead Poet's Society' Robin Williams vibes. If they ever wanted to do a spin-off movie about his character I'd be first in line to see that.

Otherwise though, the film just doesn't work. It isn't funny and so doesn't have that to pave over the cracks. And the story doesn't have the emotional impact, or even close to it, that it would've needed for the film to work. 4/10.

Have just watched this amazing movie and was stunned by the incredible acting from all involved and by an excellent script. As an old codger that was involved in the protest movement which was central to this movie I was touched and moved by the way it was interwoven into the story. Julian Dennison and James Rolleston deserve international recognition for their acting not only in this film but in their previous roles. They are truly gifted. The film is so poignant not only because of the issues it portrays but because they are still relevant today 42 years after the rugby tour of 1981. My film of the year with out a doubt. Highly recommended.

In '80s-based NZ drama "Uproar" half-Maori teen Julian Dennison (great) struggles both at his mainly white school and at home where Brit mum Minnie Driver fights to keep the family afloat after her Maori hubbie's death and older bro James Rolleston pines a rugger career crushed by injury. Through teacher Rhys Darby (good) Dennison naturally exels at drama (set against the rugger he has to play) while in backdrop South Africa's NZ rugger tour stokes racial tensions that bite home via the likes of Dennison's pal Jada Fa'atui. Co-director (with Paul Misdleditch) Hamish Bennett and co-writer Sonia Whiteman pack plenty in, but it works. It's a terrific movie.

I really wanted to like this being a kiwi film partly shot in Dunedin, but there was so many continuity mistakes I had to watch the credits a couple time s to check for continuity... Some of the camera reversals were in completely different locations...(Looks like they called for a rain day or the like, and then went to the wing location) And some of the on screen props / equipment didn't even exist for that time period. And not really researched as to period piece behavior and languages. I really wanted to like this but it left me with a bad taste that shouldn't have really happened. Could've should've been better. Oh well win some lose some.

Beautifully written and directed with a light, deft touch that allow all the actors have space to be real. Julian Dennison holds the film together with terrific support from James Rolleston and Craig Hall. Minnie Driver delivers a subtle performance to remind us she's still out there with Star power.

The Indigenous themes set against the Springbok tour of 1984 are generous and heartfelt.

But it's the family themes, answering the question, "What are you," that resonate. Loving and holding it all together while letting go. Quite the tightrope to walk.

Watch it. A joy to spend time with a film that's about life as it's lived, and not clickbait fiction.