Movies About New Zealand

From Lee Tamahori, starring Rena Owen, Temuera Morrison, Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell, Julian Arahanga
Rated R

Once Were Warriors is a 1994 New Zealand drama film directed by Lee Tamahori. It is based on the novel of the same name by Alan Duff, adapted for the screen by Riwia Brown. The film follows the Heke family, a family of Maori descent living in urban Auckland, New Zealand. Jake, the father, is an unemployed alcoholic who frequently turns to violence to solve his problems. His wife, Beth, is a strong-willed woman who attempts to keep her family together in the face of Jake's destructive behavior and the systemic racism of the time. The film follows the struggles of the family, particularly that of their eldest daughter, Grace, as they try to survive and make sense of their lives. The film is a powerful look into the lives of indigenous New Zealanders, and the impact of racism, alcohol, and violence on their lives.

From Roger Donaldson, starring Anthony Hopkins, Diane Ladd, Iain Rea, Tessa Mitchell
Rated PG-13

The World's Fastest Indian is a biographical drama film directed by Roger Donaldson and starring Anthony Hopkins. The film tells the inspiring true story of New Zealander Burt Munro, an eccentric elderly man who sets off on a daring mission to prove that his vintage Indian motorcycle is the fastest in the world. With a customized bike and a dream, Munro embarks on an incredible cross-continental journey from New Zealand to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA. Along the way he meets a cast of characters who help him on his quest, including a young mechanic and a hippie girl. Ultimately, Munro's courage and determination to succeed against all odds help him fulfill his lifelong dream.

From Taika Waititi, starring James Rolleston, Te Aho Eketone-Whitu, Taika Waititi, Moerangi Tihore
Rated Not Rated

Boy is a 2010 New Zealand comedy-drama film written and directed by Taika Waititi. It follows the adventures of an 11-year-old Maori boy named Boy, who lives with his brother Rocky, grandmother, and father Alamein. After Alamein returns to the family's rural home after an absence of seven years, Boy must come to terms with the man who brought him into the world. While Boy fantasizes about his father being a deep-sea diver, martial arts master, and a close friend, his father's actual identity is very different. Through a series of adventures and misadventures, Boy and Alamein come to understand each other and form a bond. Along the way, Boy's grandmother helps him to gain a sense of self-worth and reconnect with his culture, while Alamein learns to be a better father. Through humor, heartache, and sheer determination, the family learns to trust each other and come to understand the importance of family.

From Jane Campion, starring Holly Hunter, Harvey Keitel, Sam Neill, Anna Paquin
Rated R

The Piano is a 1993 drama film directed by Jane Campion and starring Holly Hunter, Harvey Keitel, and Sam Neill. Set in the 19th century, the film follows Ada McGrath, a mute widow from Scotland, who travels to New Zealand to marry a wealthy landowner. However, Ada soon finds herself falling in love with her landlord's hired hand, a Maori tribesman named Baines. As their forbidden romance blossoms, Ada must chose between her arranged marriage and her newfound love, and the ultimate decision will have far-reaching repercussions. Ultimately, the film is a story of forbidden love and the power of music and language to transcend cultural differences.

From Niki Caro, starring Keisha Castle-Hughes, Rawiri Paratene, Vicky Haughton, Cliff Curtis
Rated PG-13

Whale Rider is a 2002 New Zealand drama film directed by Niki Caro and based on the novel of the same name by Witi Ihimaera. The film follows the story of 12-year-old Maori girl Pai, who is the only living descendant of a chief of the tribe in the fictional New Zealand town of Whangara. Pai is determined to become the leader of her people, despite the fact that her grandfather refuses to let a female assume the role. She is determined to prove her worth and ultimately succeeds in uniting her people. The film is seen as a powerful exploration of the Maori culture, their beliefs and values.

From Peter Jackson, starring Timothy Balme, Diana Peñalver, Elizabeth Moody, Ian Watkin
Rated R

Dead Alive, directed by Peter Jackson, is a horror-comedy film released in 1992. The film follows Lionel, a young man living with his domineering mother in a small New Zealand town. When Lionel brings home a Sumatran rat-monkey, his mother is bitten and quickly becomes a zombie. Lionel's efforts to keep his mother's condition a secret lead to a series of comedic, gory, and outrageous events, as the zombie plague spreads throughout the town. With the help of a local priest, Lionel must confront the hordes of the undead, as well as the sinister forces behind the zombie outbreak. In the end, Lionel is able to reverse the zombie plague, saving the town from destruction.

From Peter Jackson, starring Melanie Lynskey, Kate Winslet, Sarah Peirse, Diana Kent
Rated R

From Peter Jackson, starring Terry Potter, Pete O'Herne, Craig Smith, Mike Minett
Rated Not Rated

From Chris Graham, starring Oscar Kightley, Iaheto Ah Hi, Shimpal Lelisi, Robbie Magasiva
Rated Not Rated

From Jonathan King, starring Oliver Driver, Nathan Meister, Tammy Davis, Matthew Chamberlain
Rated Not Rated