Uproar

"Uproar" is a significant New Zealand film starring Rhys Darby and Julian Dennison, delving into racism and Maori inequity. Set during the 1981 Springbok tour, it follows a young Maori boy navigating life in a predominantly white private school. The film masterfully blends humour and gravity, highlighting serious themes with a light touch.

Expect a mix of laughs, tears, and inspiration as it tackles important conversations with grace and authenticity. This film is both a poignant and entertaining portrayal of New Zealand's complex social issues.

Aotearoa New Zealand needs more films like this.

A beautiful commentary on Aotearoa New Zealand in the early 80s, and a moving coming of age story. I laughed and cried, and recommended it to everyone I know.

Julian Dennison is brilliant as the lead character Josh, supported by excellent performances from Erana James, Minnie Driver, Rhys Darby and Mark Mitchinson, among others. Wonderful direction from Hamish Bennett and Paul Middleditch, and I particularly appreciated the authentic and powerful depiction of Maori culture. The haka scene during the protest was amazing.

There was an audible positive response to this film, lots of laughs and gasps throughout, and animated chatting afterwards, always a great sign of a happy audience.

Loved it!

I really wanted to like this being a kiwi film partly shot in Dunedin, but there was so many continuity mistakes I had to watch the credits a couple time s to check for continuity... Some of the camera reversals were in completely different locations...(Looks like they called for a rain day or the like, and then went to the wing location) And some of the on screen props / equipment didn't even exist for that time period. And not really researched as to period piece behavior and languages. I really wanted to like this but it left me with a bad taste that shouldn't have really happened. Could've should've been better. Oh well win some lose some.

Beautifully written and directed with a light, deft touch that allow all the actors have space to be real. Julian Dennison holds the film together with terrific support from James Rolleston and Craig Hall. Minnie Driver delivers a subtle performance to remind us she's still out there with Star power.

The Indigenous themes set against the Springbok tour of 1984 are generous and heartfelt.

But it's the family themes, answering the question, "What are you," that resonate. Loving and holding it all together while letting go. Quite the tightrope to walk.

Watch it. A joy to spend time with a film that's about life as it's lived, and not clickbait fiction.

The thing I like most about New Zealanders is ironically the reason we are very bad at making movies. We are a very safe and non-daring people, and so our movies always come across this way. You never get a moment that drops your jaw or takes you off-guard. You always get exactly what you expect from start to finish and that is no different in 'Uproar'. A remarkably forgettable film.

The only thing I found to connect with in this movie was Rhys Darby. Both his character and his performance were terrific. He gave me 'Dead Poet's Society' Robin Williams vibes. If they ever wanted to do a spin-off movie about his character I'd be first in line to see that.

Otherwise though, the film just doesn't work. It isn't funny and so doesn't have that to pave over the cracks. And the story doesn't have the emotional impact, or even close to it, that it would've needed for the film to work. 4/10.