The Kiwi Film You Need To See

The New Zealand smash hit Hunt for the Wilderpeople has knocked Batman vs Superman off number one and has beat Boy to become the highest grossing film of all time in New Zealand. According to the Huffington Post Australia, this is the Kiwi film you really need to see – “and not just for the accents.”

Hunt for the Wilderpeople follows Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison), who lives on a remote farm with Bella (Rima Te Wiata) and her “gruff, non-child-loving partner Hec (Sam Neill).” He finds out that he is supposed to be placed into the care of another foster family and runs off into the New Zealand bush. When Hec goes to find him and gets injured, social worker Paula thinks the older man has kidnapped Ricky.

In an interview with the Huffington Post Australia Taika Waititi and Julian Dennison share their experience.

“…The coolest thing is actually knowing that New Zealanders actually want to see New Zealand films,” said Waititi when asked about the movie’s incredible success.

When Taika first spoke to Sam Neill, he was unsure if he was the right guy for the role.

“He’s so clean cut and he’s very good looking and you just can’t imagine him running around the bush with a big beard and a gun.”

Neill said: “I really have no idea how I would do this part which means that I probably should try.”

Talking about shooting the film in New Zealand Waititi explained that it was a classic New Zealand winter with “a lot of snow, wind, rain, harsh elements”.

The film is “just a perfect reflection of what it’s like to be a person. A human being in today’s world. They are funny and dramatic. The perfect mix. Because life is dark and light,” said Taika.

Article Source: Huffington Post Australia, Emily Blatchford, May 25, 2016

Image Source: Youtube