This Way of Life

This film is absolutely gorgeous in cinematography, scenery , direction and general "feel". The way it is shot leads the viewer to believe they are in residing some remote wilderness. They are actually in a little town just out of Hastings. The scenery shifts as they move from the Ruahine's to Waimarama beach and other locations with breathtaking views. The story is decorated with enviable horsemanship, beguiling time shifts, personal reflections and charming monologues. Peter Karena's personality draws the viewer in and we believe his plight because we want to. There are open questions left unanswered and thought provoking family dynamics that make you wonder what the story behind the story is. It is a simple, beautiful, illustration of real people at it's finest. You will love this.

This film is beautifully shot and edited. One very quickly falls into the story , into the landscape of this powerful and idealistic narrative .If you like Horses and seeing the joy of children learning to ride and find their freedom, if you like the idea of living close to nature with honesty and passion and gentleness. If you like thoughtful cinematography and intimate stories well revealed, then This way of Life will satisfy you and open your heart, The screening I attended was to a full house which erupted in a well deserved standing ovation at the Hot Docs festival in Toronto, Inspiring, compassionate, engrossing, uplifting! A must see!!

One of the best movies I have ever seen. To see all those beautiful horses and Mr Karena galloping along the beach gave me the wanting of returning home. Having such a large family providing them with the necessities of life and teaching the children how to live off what God had provided in the beginning. It astounded me how the children made do with what they have, you don't need the flash cars or houses to live a fulfilling life the basic necessities are all that matters and yet to see them tormented by the ones they love, it broke me to tears but no matter what was thrown at them, they still forgave them. What a silly man his dad is, I do hope he watches this and then he'll see how much his son still loves him no matter what. I loved watching the horses and how he started to build his little tourism business in the bushes. Seeing how they became homeless and now into a home of their own was priceless. The whole movie gave a powerful message and left me with an attitude to look at myself and the way I perceive my life. What a humble family who has a Christ like attitude towards life. Thank you. very moving indeed.

Watching this was like being there. The method used to film and document the life of the Karena family was perfect for enabling viewers to truly connect on a personal level with the entire family, circumstances and location. As the story progressed I became emotionally bonded with Peter and Collen and their children, in such a way, I wanted to meet them, support them, praise them for being who they are and for fighting for their way of life. When the film ended, it didn't end for me... I cried the whole way home, and since ... the lives of the Karena family have stayed with me. No other documentary or film has ever had this kind of impact on me. I commend all those involved with the making of "This Way of Life".

I thought this film was entertaining from start to finish, the family in this doco were each and everyone intriguing, beguiling and unaffected by the rat race. Having had some of the same experiences as a child as the children in this film, I totally relate to galloping about on one of our beautiful noble horses without a care in the world. Watching my dad train wild horses and catch and kill animals for our dinner was also something I can relate to but what was new to me was the incredible lengths this family would go to to keep living this life out of the rat race - and then when their home is burnt down in a malicious attack they experience homelessness, unemployment all the while expecting a new baby. It is amazing how you couldn't make this stuff up, its reality at its best and worst. This film shows no matter how the world falls down around you, having a healthy respect and reverence for nature gives you and your children a better chance to survive and evolve into healthier,wiser, clever-er and fun -er people.