By: Caitlin Chaney
When considering high-grossing films and huge movie markets, Hollywood and perhaps even Bollywood may come to mind, but few people immediately think “New Zealand.” But Kiwis have been churning out high-grossing and critically acclaimed films for decades. This month’s Revival House feature What We Do in the Shadows was written and directed by Taika Watiti, who has two films in the top five highest-grossing films out of New Zealand. What We Do in the Shadows just narrowly misses the top five, coming in sixth, but check out these critic darlings from Down Under.
Whale Rider (2002)
A classic, heart-warming underdog tale of a young girl who is striving to win her grandfather’s approval and the respect of her tribe. Starring Keisha Castle-Hughes, who was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her work in the film.
Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)
Taikka Waititi’s first entry into the top five, this 2016 flick about a misguided manhunt for a boy and his foster father had the highest-grossing opening weekend for a New Zealand film and currently sits at a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score.
The World’s Fastest Indian (2005)
This 2005 biographical movie about speed bike racer Burt Munro got some flak for star Anthony Hopkins not using a New Zealander accent, but that didn’t stop it from receiving overall praise for its inspirational storyline.
Boy (2010)
Another film by Taikka Waititi on the list, this coming-of-age drama premiered at Sundance and was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize.
Once Were Warriors (1994)
This film depicting a Maori family’s struggle with alcoholism and abuse was lauded by film critic Roger Ebert and in 2014 was voted “best New Zealand movie of all time” in a Fairfax Media national poll.
If you have any favorite Kiwi films or just want to check What We Do in the Shadows on the big screen, come get spooky with us at Milton Theatre for Revival House’s “Oh, the Horror!” at 6 pm on October 20. Tickets are only $10, and $5 for students and seniors. To order, visit RevivalHouseTheater.com
-
A view from the crew at The Revival House, where we don't mind popcorn on the seats, sticky floors, and all the things that make going to the movies an event.
