kiwipk

An adaptation of Albert Wendt's book to screen. The movie was shot in Wellington, New Zealand and Samoa. Many clichés of racial problems - late night pogroms, intermarriage, social differences are examined.

Acting and screen play are a little trite; but the story holds to the book well. Some scenes are better portrayed in the movie than in the book.

There is a great play of the difficulties of integrating from a Pacific Island culture to metropolitan Wellington - even when this film was made.

The film could well be compared with latter race classics from New Zealand - Broken English and Once were Warriors.

It is many years since this film was reduced, I have tried to review it from memory.

Saw this movie as a young adult and found it drab and draggy. It was an early New Zealand attempt at a full length movie, On reflection it would be more eclectic today.

Black and white was a disappointment in those days.

Incidentally it is still available from New Zealand Film Company in some formats. Te Aroha Films I believe.

Much of the film was a travelogue around the North Island. These early films made an attempt to promote New Zealand scenery in an amateur way. This would have been much more effective with colour; but too expensive for a very early film undertaking.

Soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's appearance is interesting and this was before she moved to England for her legendary opera career.

Would love to see the movie again and critique it; but certainly agree if you get the opportunity - view it.