A New Zealand film (2006) written and directed by Toa Fraser that received 2 nominations at the New Zealand Screen Awards and won the “Audience Award” at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival.
As a European Kiwi I appreciate the special aspects of island culture, the laughter, the importance of family, the love of FOOD, and I expected to see this in abundance, Instead we start from a place of dysfunction where the family has let life issues and culture build walls to the point where the main character and family matriarch Nana Maria (Ruby Dee) no longer has cordial contact with her children and she misses the family times of the past where laughter and life were center stage.
She realises something has to be done and coerces her grandchildren into arranging a huge “feast” with a Pig and all the trimmings at which point she will announce her successor. At first it is hard work and tensions reign supreme as different generations, cultural forces, and past grudges have to work together but slowly reconciliation does happen and you see some real hope and important family moments.
I am lucky in that I have never experienced family tensions like the ones in this movie, however they are common issues for many family groups who move to a new country and battle to retain their culture and tradition. I think the writer did a really good job in finding the right balance and think many viewers would see similar tensions in their families and be encouraged that things can be mended.
The acting was of a good standard with Ruby Dee the standout for me.
Overall the movie was a little slow, however there was always enough to keep me interested and when the movie finished It left you smiling at a family where joy and life where back where they should be.
Wayne’s rating 6.5/10
I like films that convey a sense of ‘place’. I’ve added this to my film queue and will add my comments to yours.