Tinâ

Absolutely moving from start to finish.

Everything was acted incredibly. Anapela Polataivao was absolutely on point. Perfect timing for lines, perfect expressions, absolutely felt this powerhouse of strength. My friend looked to see if it was based on a true story - it wasn't, so I absolutely want to go and hunt down more from writer Miki Magasiva. Amazing story which flowed fantastically. Came out of it feeling at once sad and uplifted, angry at the system which is still so broken. Justice was not served for that community, but it made a difference in the lives of a couple of kids. Maybe that's all we can do - one mind at a time. Maybe that's not good enough.

We saw this movie today. We lost our home to the same earthquake and so we were bound to be affected. This film touches so many sensitive areas but in a peaceful and loving manner. When there is so much anger around it is good to be touched by the emotions born of caring for each other. This film has been made with love for humanity, but it shows a way back for all people to be able to put aside their differences and find that common thread. It shows that the poor can help the wealthy to overcome their difficulties and their grief. This was the most emotional film we have seen in a very long while. This film makes one proud to be a person from the Pacific. I can only recommend this film.

This original and extremely moving story is set three years after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake when 185 people lost their lives. Tina, a teacher originally from Samoa, is traumatised after her daughter is killed in the earthquake. She is eventually persuaded back into employment, this time at an exclusive, and elite conservative private school. This is a major shift from her previous teaching post where she worked with underprivileged children. The movie explores themes of loss, resilience, race and culture. The sports/rugby culture vs the music/choir culture was a little formulaic, especially the typecast bully of a rugby coach. Aside from that small niggle, the film had plenty of laughs, but we also cried. The music was amazing. Here in New Zealand we are blessed with an internationally acclaimed reputation for choral excellence, and this was superbly showcased.

Awesome movie with a great story, good acting, and excellent casting. It was very emotional and funny-truly a two-hour emotional roller coaster. Being Polynesian, I couldn't be prouder. It was a beautiful blend of great singing and island culture that really hit home. A masterpiece in my eyes. One of the greatest movies I've seen in a long time. These are the kinds of movies that stay with you, that make you feel something when you leave the theatre. Well done, guys-this one's something special. Thank you so much for this, I will be raving to all my friends and family to get behind and make this movie go viral 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌

There wasn't a dry eye in the theatre. This movie made everyone laugh and cry. The performances were amazing and the music was surprisingly well done. The framework of the movie may seem familiar, but there's so much about this movie that is fresh and surprising. Masterful storytelling and pacing. Wonderful homage to mothers and teachers. The two leads were very impressive and perfectly cast. I enjoyed that there were aspects of the characters that they hinted at by different cues, but didn't feel the need to explain it. It's possible that some viewers will miss these cues, as they were seamlessly integrated into the film.