Tinâ

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.

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.

Moving and awe inspiring. It was my turn to choose the movie night, movie and I picked Tina. While my partner doesn't like drama style movies he looked to me half way through and said "I love your choice, this is funny" because all New Zealanders know the kiwi humour and we had some good laughs through the movie. The moving story, humour and good acting make this such a great movie for all to enjoy. The story is a beautiful tale of culture, appreciation, perseverance, following your passion and finding healing. I cried a few times and so did another woman on the right of us. We were moved. This film is truly wonderful, a must watch.

I was overwhelmed by Tina, it's depth, meaning and powerful performances. It's realism captures you from the start, we see a simple woman with a big heart who has seen so much loss in her life turn things around and move mountains when she takes up her new role in the school.

I found myself getting emotional a few times with the emotional rollercoaster we were taken on and how Tina connected with her students and gave them so much in a cold and sometimes ignorant world. I loved Tina's character of a person who called a spade a spade and called out bad behaviour as she saw it. She was real and you got the real thing with her. The final scene really got me as you could see the emotion shining through the students as they gave such a moving performance. This has to be one of the best NZ films I have seen and the best film I've seen so far this year, exceeded expectations.

This film was a tear jerker and absolutely hilarious. You'd go from having cramps from belly laughs to sobbing and blowing your nose into the serviettes you got for your oily popcorn hands. So inspiring and full of talent! Also recognised that parts were shot at my high school so it was so nostalgic.

The acting was awesome but the COMPOSITIONS??? PHENOMENAL!!!

Loved the local talent that was showcased in this film & loved the dedication to Pua.

This film is honestly so deep and profound and touched on so many issues. You'd be silly to miss watching this one. It's worth all the hype and the wait.

Amazing! Just amazing. So, so proud.