This Way of Life

Lifting the lid on another world; a gentler, kinder, calmer, slower, less consuming world which a number of us caught in our own wee rutted worlds love to hear about. Documentary mode worked well - the focus on "the man of the house" was evident but fantastically accompanied, and clearly made possible by, his stoic wife and his delightfully ALIVE kids. Most poetic part of the film is the metaphor-making moment when the son falls from a horse (which looks massive compared to the wee fella!). He stamps his feet in anger/frustration in the sand.... and then climbs back on the horse (helped by his Dad). Classic. A gentler, simpler time for us all to be reminded of. Happiness doesn't live in long-life cartons down aisle 4 of the supermarket; nor does it come with a 3 pin plug and only in need of 240volts!! My wife loved the horse/rider scenes in the water and the swimming/jumping off rocks with the kids - I thought the naked scenes were a tad gratuitous/sensational (perhaps some jealousy on my part I am prepared to admit !) I don't doubt it was absolutely natural, but it came across to me as a tad intrusive in that case. All up, a great reminder for us all of to take stock, consider our needs versus our manufactured/manipulated demands. A man who didn't even consider being afraid to share the simple truths of his feelings. Nice one.

This Way of Life is an unlikely fairy tale, replete with bucolic settings, physical prowess in the face of nature's power and a battle against a domineering stepfather. A cynic could say that it rehashes the oft-sketched theme of back-to-the-earth survivalism, or that it offers the consequences of poor planning. Upon quiet reflection, however, it becomes clear that the film evokes the better angels of our nature. It gives us a family dedicated to shedding the impulses of materialism. It reminds one of what is solid in this world: commitment to a partner, integrity in daily decisions, and creating a landscape of emotional beauty within which children can grow. The Burstyns have created an especially prescient documentary for individuals across the globe to have the good fortune of viewing.

This film is absolutely gorgeous in cinematography, scenery , direction and general "feel". The way it is shot leads the viewer to believe they are in residing some remote wilderness. They are actually in a little town just out of Hastings. The scenery shifts as they move from the Ruahine's to Waimarama beach and other locations with breathtaking views. The story is decorated with enviable horsemanship, beguiling time shifts, personal reflections and charming monologues. Peter Karena's personality draws the viewer in and we believe his plight because we want to. There are open questions left unanswered and thought provoking family dynamics that make you wonder what the story behind the story is. It is a simple, beautiful, illustration of real people at it's finest. You will love this.

This film is beautifully shot and edited. One very quickly falls into the story , into the landscape of this powerful and idealistic narrative .If you like Horses and seeing the joy of children learning to ride and find their freedom, if you like the idea of living close to nature with honesty and passion and gentleness. If you like thoughtful cinematography and intimate stories well revealed, then This way of Life will satisfy you and open your heart, The screening I attended was to a full house which erupted in a well deserved standing ovation at the Hot Docs festival in Toronto, Inspiring, compassionate, engrossing, uplifting! A must see!!

This small, unexpected New Zealand film is simply mesmerizing and an unconditional must-see. No, really. This Way of Life is a documentary tracking the Karena family through a story that is so remarkable, you couldn't make it up. Two parents and six children live happily in relative poverty, making ends meet by working on the land, farming pigs and riding wild horses, and living a truly wholesome "good" life. Their life is simple, and beautiful for it. But as with real life, there is drama along the way, and some of it must have seemed a Godsend to the film-makers, who can't possibly have anticipated what transpired. The interviews are heartfelt and touching, and you cannot help but leave the cinema with a new perspective on life. Highly recommended.