Rurangi

This series seems to have completely flown under the radar, I'm guessing because some consider it indie LGBTQI+ territory. But that is so far from what it really is. It's about identity on multiple levels - cultural, gender identity, sexuality. But it's also about love, the environment, and family.

I adored Caz, Anahera, Jem and Ellie, and Gerald. The acting is excellent. The setting in rural Waikato is achingly familiar, and I love the supernatural spin series 2 has taken, weaving Maori folklore into the storyline. It's beautiful, heartbreaking, and has a kind of restraint that is done with the greatest of care. This has been an unexpected find and beautiful surprise.

I can't wait to watch the next series (please fund it NZ on Air!).

I am a transgender man, and I have never seen a fictional show that so accurately describes my experiences-the awkwardness of meeting people who knew you pre-transition, inappropriate questions from strangers, struggling with family and dating, etc. It's all so accurate. I've felt these things, I've seen my friends feel these things. I also appreciate the fluidity and depth shown in the other characters. They have interests and backstories, not everything is about caz and not everything is about him being trans, but everything IS queer and feels very authentic. Its a bonus that it is made by queer people and stars trans people in trans roles. I usually only watch my favorite shows twice, and almost never watch shows three times. I've seen rurangi three times. Every time I am watching it I am so overcome with emotion. I think about it all day after finishing it, and highly recommend it.

I was very moved by this story. It's a classic homecoming with the lead changed beyond recognition. Caz is a very appealing character tip-toeing around on eggshells. The supporting roles have their own backstories, each negotiating their challenges. They're very likeable and familiar to me, and the dialogue is realistic.

I didn't find it slow. Maybe those who did were hoping for something more cataclysmic? I liked the simplicity and realism of the NZ experience. It's all very understated, but that's kind of what it's like here.

My son is trans, and he found Caz's encounters with others very familiar. Just all the awkwardness and surprise and backpedalling lol.

I also loved the familarity of the location. It was quintessential smalltown rural New Zealand... A pinch of racism, a smattering of various phobias and the environmental issues of the day provide the background to Caz's journey.

I enjoyed this movie. In part because I recognised a lot of the filming areas as the Paeroa/Ngatea district, which was nice. But also as I found it quite a nice low key story exploring gender, "gender... It's complex". Ultimately though, the main theme is really about fractured families, and forgiveness... of self and each other.

I recommend this as a nice watch; despite the heavy subject matter, it's still a very enjoyable watch, and characters were sweet. Solid effort from a kiwi flick.

Ignore the comments by the homophobe and give this one a chance. It's a small series, more about coming home than being transgender, and it's too bad they didn't reach deeper into the subject. Maybe they will if the series has another season. The focus is on trying to reenter an environment that one has run away from and it avoids the deeper issues of being out of step with the majority. It's unclear why he came back, and the history of his relationship with his family is covered in one scene which offers little understanding.

I hope they have another season to expand on the issues.