Bellbird

Its wasnt a bad movie, but rather slow with little actually happening. The older main character was hard to relate to as he was essentially a silent cipher, the other characters had more life to them. If gives a glimpse of life on a kiwi farm and deals with loss and the passing of each generation with a tragicomedic eye.

They sang once from a british band in the 1980's, and this nz rural farmers realism feature film, are basic stuff, and it a low budget, but still a film that you canrelate to on the human level. the premises, the farm, is all thats needed to make a farm film, you put some actors on the location and well its a film.

loss and grief are the main topic, and the story delves into the sensations with bravour. not the screamingly meltdown sorrow, just the calm self absorbing grumpy old man have always been kinda sorrow..

grief does usually mend itself over the years and the way things develop between father and son gives high hopes for the future.

its a farm film, but also a film on the human mind, so you wont regret having a look.the grumpy old man did and it felt ok.

It's true that this is a slow burner, and its story is woven with care and attention to detail. Some of the actors are not known to me, but some were familiar faces - a good mix. I did feel a similarity to Hunt for the Wilder people to start with, but that soon went on its way, and it wandered along its own path. I found I was engrossed and anxious that nothing would interrupt my viewing - and the scenery and birdsong were beautiful. The characters were particularly well-drawn and the rural community were obviously written by someone who knows them well, and portrayed accurately too. I have seen some very good NZ productions over the past few years and this has to be up there with the best - perhaps I might edit it to a 10 after a second viewing. (I must ask someone about Cows' sense of humour though)

Less is more they say, and that holds true for this simple, honest film.

Having lived in rural NZ for a number of years, the film evoked a lot of memories, and captured both the stoicism and the warmth of rural communities in New Zealand.

I loved this film for it's sincerity.

Yes it is slow. Yes it is simple. But it'll put a smile on your face, and some warmth in your heart.

Stunning film that just drips with real. Nothing showy - nothing over done - just community and family life that pulls you in as an observer. Just totally wraps you in a blanket of living. So beautifully scripted, acted and directed. It moves you in such a profound way but at the same time it is that favourite pie you eat for lunch. Comforting but different, expected but unexpected....