This Way of Life

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 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.

Our family just finished watching This Way of Life on Knowledge Network, and all I can say is not a word was spoken through the whole program. I was amazed at this family's strength, love and grace. I must admit I had tears streaming down my face many times, my husband wiped at his eyes a few times as well. What struck me so hard was Peter at times almost speaking lovingly of this man who was never a father to him. How horrible for the father to live with such anger, hate and resentment. It also made me wonder where his mother was through all this. Colleen was beautiful, caring and sensitive and a wonderful mother. Thank you for bringing this to us. It's a film our family will never forget.

The iconic image of a ruggedly handsome man atop an equally impressive steed ~ rearing up between dappled grassland and dazzling sky, mane and tail lashing in all directions ~ tells us some essentials about THIS WAY OF LIFE, the sterling documentary it advertises.

It tells us, in a glance, that the man in question is capable and seasoned, outdoorsy and independent, the sort of man who can probably fish and hunt, read the land and weather, wrangle wild horses and build their corrals ~ living as best he can outside any deadening constraints of Western civilization. And all of this proves to be true.

What this image doesn't disclose is that what we actually have here is an inverted and updated Trojan Horse, in the best possible sense of the term. Instead of being the predictable tale of a Lone Ranger, THIS WAY OF LIFE reveals that the rider, Peter Karena of Aoetoara/New Zealand, is a man for whom marriage and family are of paramount value. The question this story poses is ~ can he secure his beautiful, growing, and beloved brood a home, with his integrity intact? Opposition to this dream resides closer than even the usual social, political and economic demands that erode the likelihood of obtaining freedom in this day and age. For Peter is the chosen enemy of a stepfather who still operates out of the worst possible facets of the old Patriarchal paradigm: the will to be divisive, destructive and, above all, domineering.

Ultimately this apparently modest slice of life, via deft story-telling, provides an arc of development which applies not only to one family in the back of beyond, but engages entire cultural gears: our shared longing to deconstruct an old model which is abusive of far too many and to supplant it with one of our own making. As our rigged economic system and oppression by corporatocracy collapses, THIS WAY OF LIFE becomes an option that feels vital and venerable rather than quaint or exotic.

I want to wrap up this review with highest praise: by the time the credits rolled, I was left feeling, in a quiet yet indelible way, that these beautiful people are necessary to our way of life, as they display our participation in nature, and demonstrate that the personal is universal. May their message radiate worldwide.

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.