donnasch

Many of my workmates had seen this, commented extremely positively and included the comment that they hoped that the Aboriginal kids would watch it. I have to admit that I was also impressed by Stephen Johnson's effort. I hope that a few in the public service and politics also watch this.

It doesn't mince around the issues plaguing many Aboriginal communities today in the Top End including that of petrol sniffing. Yet there is hope in this movie. As well as despair there is resilience evident.

Some commentators have commented on the script saying it has lacked that special something. I would comment that it is actually an accurate representation of how many Aboriginal people speak in this part of the world. It is realistic.

I really enjoyed the punchy cinematography and the music which was unobtrusive yet competely effective.

Definitely worth watching.

This movie belonged to Jake the Muss. Temuera Morrison reprised his role from "Once Were Warriors" under Ian Mune's directorial influence. The result? A solid performance in a worthy sequel. Jake finds a form of redemption although not to the same extent as in the actual book. However, given the limits of a movie script, the movie remained loyal to the original. I was impressed with Nancy Brunning who I had previously only seen in the NZ soap "Shortland Street". Ian Mune took on a difficult job trying to follow in Tamahori's footsteps. I am glad that he didn't try to continue the more stylised approach of Warriors. He still managed to convey the bleakness and futility of the gang lifestyle. The violence was still present and was not minimised. I also enjoyed the soundtrack, particularly as it resurrected that wonderful song "E Ipo" by Prince Tui Teka.