A 17-year-old student is forced to get off the fence he has actively sat on all his life to stand up for himself, his whanau (family) and his future in this heartwarming story of identity.
Uproar, the latest film from New Zealand, takes us on a heartfelt journey through a tough time in the country's history. It's also a story about growing up, facing racism, and discovering who you are. Directed by Hamish Bennett and Paul Middleditch, this movie is set in the 1980s during a big rugby event that caused a lot of arguments in New Zealand.
The film's colours and style make it feel like we're back in the '80s. It doesn't hide the problems of that time, like racism and unfair treatment of the Māori people. The main character is a 17-year-old named Josh, played by Julian Dennison. He's like a lot of teenagers, trying to fit in, but he also has to deal with racism at school.
Josh's mom, played by Minnie Driver, wants him to join the school's rugby team to get support from the school's old boys. But Josh doesn't like rugby and feels out of place. His only escape is a drama club run by a cheerful teacher named Brother Madigan, played by Rhys Darby. Josh is good at talking, and the drama club becomes his safe place. As the story unfolds, Josh becomes more aware of the problems in his country. The film uses real news footage from the protests and police clashes, making the story even more powerful.
Uproar doesn't hide the big issues it talks about, like racism and unfair treatment. It's not a subtle movie, but it has a lot of heart. It connects the big historical events with a personal story that you can relate to.
One of the main themes in the film is finding yourself. Josh feels like he doesn't fit in because he's caught between two worlds. His father was Māori, but he passed away, and his mother is from England. As the protests get closer, Josh has to make important choices about his future and what his family's past means to him.
The directors, Paul Middleditch and Hamish Bennett, along with Sonia Whiteman, tell a story that's not just about one person but about New Zealand's cultural identity. This is important, especially now when there are debates about supporting the Māori community.
Julian Dennison, who's known for his humour, shows his serious side and brings out strong emotions in his performance. The film's big heart and touching story make it a must-see.
When one of Josh's teachers, played by Rhys Darby, suggests he join the drama club, and his best friend Grace joins the protests, Josh finds a new calling and a deeper connection to his culture. With his charm and wit, Julian Dennison's character explores complex emotions in a powerful way. Darby, known for his funny roles, shows his serious side in this movie. He's a caring teacher who brings humour and warmth to his character.
Uproar tells us that the Māori people belong to New Zealand, but they also feel unwelcome sometimes. They can't just forget about the past because it still affects them. The film shows how hard it is to find your place when you're stuck between two worlds.
A touching and powerful movie that takes us back to a crucial time in New Zealand's history. It talks about important issues like racism and unfair treatment in a straightforward way. The talented cast, led by Julian Dennison and Rhys Darby, delivers performances that make the story even more powerful. Uproar is a movie that speaks not only to New Zealand but to the whole world, reminding us of the ongoing struggle for justice and cultural recognition. It's a film that combines entertainment with deep thoughts, making it a must-see for everyone.
Uproar was released in NZ cinemas on October 5, 2023