The Justice of Bunny King

This little gem was co-written and is the first full-length feature film directorial debut for New Zealand filmmaker Gaysorn Thavat, and she gave us an exceptional piece of filmmaking. This film reminds me a lot of To Leslie starring Andrea Riseborough, as it highlights real-world socioeconomic issues that tug at your heart-strings. It has many depths and layers of emotional intelligence, with exceptional character study on the undeterred spirit of a mother held back by societies systems. It is told with conviction and anger, with some great occasional moments of dark comedy. But great directing and storytelling needs an equally great performance, and Essie Davis as Bunny brought that authenticity needed to elevate the filmmaking to the top shelf. For that matter, all casting and performances deserve praise, as does the cinematography and score. It's a definite must-see and well deserved 9/10 from me.

In New Zealand, Bunny King (Essie Davis) is a struggling single mother living in poverty. Her two kids are stuck in foster care. She needs to find a home before she has a chance to get them back. She lives with her sister's family until she finds her niece Tonyah (Thomasin McKenzie) being abused by her stepdad.

Rooting for Bunny can be tough with her self-destructive nature. I like her character, but her manic personality can be a bit much sometimes. She would be a lot easier to root for if she doesn't keep getting into her own way. I do like her with Tonyah, but more can be done with that story. The very last scene is a bit problematic. It's a continuation of Bunny's chaotic ways. I'd rather she deal with her problem head on.

The cards and dice have fallen the wrong way, the fine lines have been drawn, and now you're left astray, in a world that doesn't care, you're driven further to despair, but in a fight for what is right, you'll have your say. Alas the powers in control have put up walls, and they are deaf to all your pleadings and your calls, there's a process to be followed, they must make sure that you're hollowed, and even then there's further steps that you must crawl. But your passion and your instinct keep you spurred, to do what's right, you will no longer be deterred, you may have hit the rocks, but you're pulling up your socks, and fighting to be seen, and to be heard.

Essie Davis is outstanding as the mother who's done nothing wrong but is punished to extremes for trying to recover the kids she loves and seeks to protect.

Beautiful story about a mother's love and poverty. I enjoyed this movie and how it reflects reality of life. Amazing acting by the leading lady and her neice.

Wow! I just finished watching "The Justice of Bunny King" and I have to admit, I'm emotionally drained. What a powerful piece of filmmaking. The acting is absolutely superb. And the story kept me hooked right until the end. It's all about the desperate situation a mother gets into when her children are taken from her. She's basically living on the streets, earning money by washing windshields at busy intersections.

And the state seems to have almost no compassion for her situation. In fact, when a friend invites her to stay with his family, who happen to be Maori, you notice immediately that they have far more compassion than the government does. They immediately welcome her as part of their family.

Bunny desperately tries to be reunited with her two children. However, it's a struggle that seems to be insurmountable. What a moving and emotional story. If you're looking for something different to watch, I highly recommend watching this remarkable film.