No. 2

I've seen recent reviews of lacking a firm storyline - however I beg to differ. I really liked this film because it was so simplistic to understand, but yet portraying strong themes of a foreign/traditional family living in New Zealand. Additionally, the family as depicted in the film can be seen as being dysfunctional, this factor can reinforce our understanding of the film if one has been exposed to such kind of a family. Anyhow, I must praise the performances of the actors/actresses and in particular Ruby Dee - for instance, when I first viewed the film I though the Dee was a Fijian actress! It came to great shock when I discovered that she was in fact American! In conclusion, I would like to say that I very much enjoyed this little film, it is funny, touching and passionate. If anyone has the chance to watch this film, then DO IT! It isn't to be missed! Out

I had the opportunity to view this film at the Sundance Film Festival. It is a touching story of family ties, those that have been broken and attempts to bind them together again. This movie handles family conflict in an honest and realistic manner. Beyond the family struggles lies the tension of modern ways clashing with the strong cultural traditions of the South Pacific islanders. The film looks at how an indigenous group of people debate the mores of their ancestors. We are reminded that what binds us together is more than just rituals and customs. This film has a solid foundation in its direction. It reflects the quality of film making we are becoming accustomed to from New Zealand ala Whale Rider. The acting is from the heart, you will believe this ensemble is actually a family. It is beautifully shot and takes advantage of the characters' energy and emotion rather than relying on the natural beauty of the land. It is not to be missed.

This was one of the most feel good movies I've watched in a long time. I wanted to go straight home after I saw it and give all my family big hugs eh. Great story :) Plus it had Rene Naufahu in it who I love - I wish he was starring in more movies. Set in Mount Roskill, in Auckland, you see another side to life in the big city. Such a real portrayal of family life. I thought all the young actors in the movie did a great job - definitely some up and coming talent amongst them. This movie is definitely one to take your Mum or Dad, Nana or Grandpa, Brother or Sister to and be prepared to get emotional. The storyline itself sounds at first like it is going to be a bit bland, but believe me, you'll never be more moved.

A different culture than mine, this was an eye-opener. Tradition counts, feelings do, death is a departing and part and parcel of everything. And so everything turns into a big celebration and tying together feast including pig, trees, foreigners, music and naturally mishaps and power struggles. Features the epic "Bathe In The River", a very moving song by amazing New Zealand musician Hollie Smith and the Mt Raskill local people choir. This film forms an important link in New Zealand film lineage as it is one that portrays a very important happening in an 'island' family living in Auckland's 'wild' west suburbs. We get to experience a largely different and unknown culture right in the middle of a 'normal' suburb. This is Auckland, the city with the world's largest Polynesian population.

There are films and there are films with a soul. No. 2 is a film with a big soul and needs no special effects no big budgets or big names to be a big little film.

It takes the time that is necessary to tell a story so unusual in nowadays cinematic landscape, a story that makes the audience feel and touches the souls of those who are willing to listen to it.

There are wonderful performances of several actors to observe and No.2 shows how a wonderful script has no need for a big budget. It's not a tearjerker or going for the easy laughs, it's not a black and white movie but shows the shades of grey that make life life.

I laughed, frowned, had tears in my eyes, cringed, smiled and felt touched so many times.

It is one of these films that can be distinguished from the majority of films by its ability to make you feel and that somehow cause your whole being to be uplifted by the time you leave the cinema.

It's one of the films that linger and hold the audience so captive that only after the credits have been rolling for quite a while, the first people start to reluctantly file out of the theatre.