There's probably a good story here about forgiveness. But the movie is heavy handed, preachy, cliched, and poorly acted. The score is overly heavy. The dialogue is terrible. The whole thing feels completely inauthentic. After awhile it becomes obvious that this is a Christian film made for evangelical believers that has hidden its agenda in its slick marketing campaign. The best thing about the movie is the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand. It's a sanitised movie clearly made for believers who want a "nice" movie that doesn't confront or provoke deep thinking. Give it a miss.
25 Reviews
A redemption tale
pascaledelos18 February 2018
I was surprised to read 'City Impact Church movie' on the Credits page at the end of the movie. But actually church is important for some people in Aotearoa, isn't it? And redemption exists..for some.
I decided to not judge and just admit I had enjoyed seeing more of the region I recently moved to, Eastland. Enjoyed new actors, instead of the regular very good ones, enjoyed the insights into Maoridom and traditions. Violence isn't as present as the trailer showed (thank you!), but is unfortunately very present in a lot of families, most often represented by gangs.
I didn't find religion was the only way to get out of a cycle of violence. Letting out and sharing the pain was another one, also acknowledging the support of friends and family.
Well filmed (action and dialogues), drone landscape shots, powerful actors..
Go enjoy for yourself!
A church movie masquerading as a gang movie
anheronz19 February 2018
Really disappointed with the movie. From a technical point of view the acting was sub par, save for Wayne Hapi. A lot of the scenes were incongruous. The film failed to go to those truly brave places regarding brokeness and redemption. There was no authenticity with the gang life.
Mostly tho I was annoyed that the movie wasn't upfront about what it was; which is a church movie. If they had said it was a movie where redemption was gained through Jesus Christ etc thru all of the marketing material, on every poster etc, then I wouldn't have been annoyed.
It's a bait and switch movie.
Mostly tho I was annoyed that the movie wasn't upfront about what it was; which is a church movie. If they had said it was a movie where redemption was gained through Jesus Christ etc thru all of the marketing material, on every poster etc, then I wouldn't have been annoyed.
It's a bait and switch movie.
Could have been
kiwi-3524711 February 2018
I thought this was going to be a tale right from a Maori narrative but instead just a preaching movie about being "saved". Many of the scenes made little sense, with silly amateur movie faux pas.
Sadly no one in the cast can act. Certainly not the leading characters. They were just going through the lines worse than a school play.
I felt truly sucked in and let down.
Thankfully there are some great movies from New Zealand. This isn't one of them
Broken in many ways
mrm5616 August 2018
Disappointed with the acting and the message, which at best was mired by some poor direction. Bad triumphs over evil should be a noble theme, but in this version it becomes cliched.
Ruby was a redeeming feature, albeit shortlived but her young male friend who spoke at the tangi was the highlight for me. Two stars for those two.
Loved it!!
maxbudo118 April 2019
A great little movie! Easy to watch with great cinematography as well as a good story. FIRST TIME Director Tarry Mortlock provided a story that pulled me in and had some very compelling performances. The funeral scene stands out. As far as being a Christian film it stands head and shoulders above so many because it wasn't preachy or cliche (thank goodness). A fresh approach indeed.
In a world full of new film makers Tarry Mortlock offers a true movie experience at his debut and I will definitely be looking for more from him!
Enjoy the movie!! I did!!
Hidden agenda
hazeleyes-4749925 September 2018
This started off as a really good movie. It would have got really good ratings if it continued to be a great movie. But a third of the way into the movie Christianity found its way in. And once again tricked everybody into watching this with their little hidden agenda. No different than when they come knocking on your door. So don't expect the big bloodbath that were expecting to see at the end of the movie. I HATE being tricked into things. If I wanted to watch a Christian movie I would put one on purposely. I have never had it out for the church before or for religion. But when it gets to the point where they're tricking people into watching movies now. That's getting pretty bad.
A tale of forgiveness
steveholmes-1873518 April 2019
If you are looking for a movie to watch and move on with your life as though nothing is different, this is not that movie. Be prepared to be challenged and taught what it means to forgive. Man, this movie bought perspective to the little grudges i hold on to.
This story is told with incredible scenery and videography that gives this well written script a 'wow' factor!
I have watched it several times, and each time i am BROKEN for the better
Christian movie
hazeleyes-4749925 September 2018
Warning: Spoilers
This started off as a great movie. And would have continued being a great movie if these two gangs would have gotten into it with each other instead of it turning into a God movie and turning into a boring movie. It would have got much more star ratings if we could have seen a bit of a bloodbath. Give us some warning at the beginning of the movie that its going to be a Christian movie. Not halfway through to then fool us AGAIN!!! Hate having religion pushed on to me.
Amazing NZ Movie
kosmikid19 April 2019
Saw this movie a few times. Incredible movie and so well written!!
Amazing to see a movie of this quality coming out of New Zealand and would go as far to say the quality was excellent.
Broken has a great story line and brings forward so many emotions while retaining a consistent story.
This is definitely worth a watch to see exactly what I mean...you won't regret it.
Awesome work on the movie team!
A gripping tale all the way through
joseph-758189 March 2018
I was taken into this film by its breathtaking cinematography, haunting music and genuine performances. Every scene carries you with slow-burn intensity, as you wait for the inevitable climax. When I Heard this was a film by a firs time director, with first time actors and first time DOP I was amazed at how this came together in such a mature, clever and concise film. I would recommend this movie for anyone wanting a night out, who believes inherently in the hope of humanity and that live can imitate art and have good outcomes. Well done to the team and I look forward to the next one!
A solid film
kiwifilmbuff197718 April 2019
I wasn't sure what the response would be to this film knowing it was a faith-film with a message. However, everyone that I have talked to that has seen the film, thoroughly enjoyed it. As for me, I found the story compelling with good plot twists, the acting was solid, the music was moving and the cinematography was stunning. The message of forgiveness was strong, but not preachy or OTT. All-in-all, this movie was a great watch and I would definitely recommend it to others.
Stunning piece of NZ cinematography
jo_holmes-8742319 April 2019
A great little movie
canadamoviegirl18 April 2019
a surprisingly good film
obbler1 March 2018
After hearing that this film was made by a church, I had very low expectations. I almost didn't go cause I was expecting it to be very preachy and cheap, but I'm glad I went! I was highly impressed with the cinematography; stunning locations and fantastic camera work. Wayne Hapi was probably the strongest actor, but I give the guy who played Logan big props (I heard it was his first film). Theme of forgiveness is strongly evident and well portrayed, but isn't preachy like you would expect a church film to be.
It may not be a Hollywood blockbuster, but I give this film an 8/10 in regards to a local church creating a high quality film.
Impressed for a kiwi film
mattgadams18 April 2019
Great Watch, Tumeke!!
rmjrgmurray19 April 2019
Having grown up knowing of Tarore I was keen to see this modern day interpretation inspired by her legacy and I wasn't disappointed. Tairawhiti in all her beauty was stunningly portrayed alongside the authentic brokenness and later redemption of key characters. Great watch! Kau mau te wehi!
Well worth a watch
u-3988419 April 2019
I thought it was a movie well worth watching. Not often that there is a movie about this subject matter that you can take the older kids too that you aren't worried about the swearing every 30 seconds (yes I know people in gangs swear but that doesn't mean that it needs to be included to make it "real"). You could believe the characters as the "actors" are real people who more than likely grew up around events and people like this rather than someone acting off a script with no idea of real life.
Amazing cinematography and moving storyline
wtaski19 April 2019
I throughly enjoyed Broken. The opening scenes are filmed so beautifully and the incredible artwork continues throughout the movie.
The storyline is moving and it's nice to watch something that has some positive message within it rather than just depressing violence.
A powerful story
shawnarsenault-8613124 April 2019
Loved this movie. The scenery, the music and excellent performances by authentic people. The movie moves along at a nice pace with some wit and gut wrenching scenes. I loved the funeral scene and also the underwater shot dream like sequence. Most importantly it's a Christian movie that doesn't feel religious! Give it a watch you wont be dissapointed.
Pleasantly surprised...
robertybob27 April 2019
Very moving
ingamorin27 April 2019
This was a moving film with an important message of forgiveness, something that is much needed in the world today regardless of culture or religion. As a Christian I believe this message is paramount and a real answer to many of the worlds problems. It is my hope that this film continues to spread the message of forgiveness.
A Fresh and Truly Inspiring Movie
lillightjc-8550012 November 2019
This movie was extremely well executed. The actors did a superb job and with great sensitivity. A real insight into Maori customs. The stunning New Zealand scenery, the beautiful photography and the perfect music selection, all contributed to the inspirational messages in the story. FYI: Pastor Lance Rickard, of the local House of Breakthrough Church, had one of the starring roles as Police Constable Alan Stone in this movie.
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