James & Isey

Almost every Wednesday morning I go see a movie with my Nan. Often my pop joins, as does my Nan's best friend. It's something we treasure and constantly can't wait for.

When attending the 'Senior Sneak-Peak' we don't always know what we are seeing till it starts playing. The mystery is part of the fun. Some times we see films that aren't so good, other times we are blown away, but today, today was a really special one.

James and Isey a beautiful New Zealand documentary which welcomes us into their family home and takes us on a journey of a Mother and Son on the days leading up to her 100th birthday.

As my nan put it, "it's a documentary with SOUL, I absolutely loved it". Seeing this film in a cinema where I was the ONLY one without grey hair, the ONLY one below 65 (I'm 21) was a uniquely wonderful experience.

The energy in the theatre was gleaming. Looking around at my fellows movie goers to see a room full of smiles, laughs and a sense of "we're all young at heart" was really quite special.

Both my Nan and I share a real passion for movies. I could heavily relate to James and Isey in the sense that stories and storytelling are multigenerational. Stories need to shared. Everyone for deserves to laugh and be entertained no matter how old (or young) they are.

I feel this movie perfectly set out to do what it intended to do, something that a lot of films can't say about themselves. If you get the chance you must see this, especially if you can bring your Nan along.

Gorgeous film, about a wonderful mother/son relationship. It's really moving and universal. It'll make your heart sing!!!

A really lovely film - very "New Zealand". A beautifully shot character portrayal. I was both moved and thoroughly enjoyed it.

We, the audience, sat spellbound by this world, our world, the screen showed to us. "James & Isey." A love-song of our living and breathing Northland. The rushing surf was there, the trees were there, the peaceful cattle, even Tane Mahuta and the hole in the rock. In the middle of all this sits Isey, very much alive. Her still youthful son James at her side shows love, respect and patience and deepness of soul. I feel enriched by this movie. Everybody seemed to be. There was much laughter and even applause in the audience, well merited once! I say: "Thank you" from all my heart. -Marianna Grothe, aged 93.

James and Isey is one of the most perfect snapshots of real life in rural New Zealand. It is so heart warming, tender and funny that the whole world should see it. It will probably help explain the wonderful deadpan humour of shows like Flight of the Conchords but also the rich cultural and ceremonial family-centric Maori culture which is one of the most thriving indigenous cultures in the world. I love the way Florian's just-off-camera presence adds such a warmth to the narrative. We laughed and cried our way through this absolute gem of a film.