mr-bricoleur

This is one of the great documentaries looking at the importance of gift exchange in society. Following the film's hero Ongka, who wears a wonderful T-Shirt that proclaims "Do it in the road", we see firsthand the months of preparation that go into giving one of the biggest gifts in the history of the Kawelka people. Such a gift requires the collaborative effort of a large number of people in a society where no one has any more authority than their ability to persuade others. But Ongka is a big man, and he has great persuasive ability. We see war, witchcraft, traditional costume, wealth, and many many pigs.

Highly recommended for all interested in cultural anthropology. The movie drags a little and is a bit of an anticlimax but is well worth the time and has many a hilarious and dramatic moment.

Its strange because much about this movie is kind of cliché and at times it had a strange awkwardness or amateurish feeling.

And yet, Angie Cepada is so strikingly beautiful, and at the same time so natural in her acting, that the film is a continual pleasure to watch. When she smiles it has all the warmth of someone you know. you just can't help falling in love with her.

Also, the film is interspersed with scenes that are very well done and outside the usual genre of romantic comedy, incorporating an off-beat humor that is at once silly and quite smart, because it captures the awkwardness of social interaction so well.

Even though at times it has an intelligent indie quality to it, it is still ultimately a predictable sappy romantic comedy about motherhood and family. If you expect nothing more it may surprise you though...I couldn't tear myself away.