Rating: A+
I never used to be a fan of New Zealand films, though I could see their value, they seemed to follow their own rules that I didn’t understand (seeming a bit too small budget for my liking), until I saw Hunt for the Wilderpeople.
Directed and written by the glorious Taika Waititi (Boy, Eagle vs Shark, What We Do in the Shadows), the film, based off the book Wild Pork and Watercress by Barry Crump, stars a veritable cheeseboard of talented actors and actresses, namely Julian Dennison, Sam Neill and Rachel House, who give each role their all and sweep us away into an exciting, fairly grown up tale told through the eyes of a child.
Ricky Baker (Dennison) is a rebellious city kid who has been passed from home to home all his life. After finally finding a home he settles into, Ricky faces losing it almost immediately and nek’ minute is running through the bush with a gun, a dog called Tupac and an injured Sam Neill. A manhunt ensues and the group must push through their differences to escape SWAT teams as well as a crazy Rachel House from Child, Youth and Family. It’s a pretty good storyline.
Julian Dennison nails his performance as Ricky Baker. He is funny but does not shy away from the deeper stuff, providing Ricky with a profoundness that balances out his simple-minded ways. His transformation from 2007 kid from the streets (snapback, DC sneakers and diamond and dollar sign hoodie) to regular swanndri bushman/gangster is brilliant. Sam Neill is practically a New Zealand cowboy badass and delivers a touching performance as Uncle Hec, providing us with laughs as well as a few tears.
I appreciated every aspect of this film, particularly the soundtrack and stunts, as well as the majestic scenery shots, which showed the New Zealand landscape as I have never seen it before on film (Lord of the Rings does NOT count). This film was unique and absolutely hilarious, professional as well as personal. There is a reason it has smashed the ‘Kiwi box office in its opening weekend taking in a record $1.3 million’ and had the ‘highest grossing day for a New Zealand film ever’. Cause its good. Really good. Might I also add the word ‘Skux’ has officially been restored into my vocabulary. Worth it.