peter-hallinan-874-731934 Reviews

Amsterdam Undercover (2018– )

a taut tense thriller

[10/10 · 27 October 2021]

I was very surprised to see the lacklustre rating of 5.9 at the time of viewing the first episode. There are plenty of convoluted twists and turns in the plot to keep viewers guessing, but it's worth staying the distance in this Dutch police thriller of internatioal drug rings and tensions at the Interpol level.

The Tale of The Princess Kaguya (2013)

Love is fleeting, vanishing mist

[10/10 · 29 March 2020]

The Tale of the Princess Kagura is one that will linger long after the last credits roll. The film is achingly beautiful. Every screen shot is an exquisite work of art. The tale is one of love and loss, power and surrender, life and death. If only we mortals had the wisdom to grasp and hold love, never letting it go. But that is seldom the way we live, so happiness slips through our fingers.

Do yourself a favour you will never forget. See this film and live in the light of its eternal message.

Wesley (2009)

My non-Methodist heart was strangely warmed

[8/10 · 7 October 2017]

I was fortunate to stumble across this well crafted drama of the early years of John Wesley's ministry on the Firstlight TV channel in New Zealand. It was quite difficult to find on the IMDb website. For an overtly "Christian" film, it was a surprisingly good film; one I'd rate closer to 8 than 7 out of 10. As a non-Methodist, I had no idea of Wesley's early ministry in the young American colony of Georgia, nor of the torments of youthful love that he experienced there. His family relationships, especially with Charles and Samuel, are shown in some depth, as well as the profound influence of the Moravians in bringing him to a deeper faith and understanding of the essential Christian message. I would have liked to have seen a bit more of his successor George Whitfield's work in America, especially the "revival" forever associated with him, and also more exploration of the later decades of John Wesley's life. All in all, a film of inspiration for today.

The Passion of Augustine (2015)

A woman for all seasons

[10/10 · 22 September 2017]

Just had the huge pleasure of seeing this amazingly underrated film at an art cinema in Christchurch, NZ. No publicity or fanfare, it was simply there. Other reviewers have outlined the story, but the major motifs of faith, cultural and generational clashes, feminism, and above all the music - oh! the music! - make this a film not to be missed at any price. I liked every aspect of this French Canadian film. The acting, the script, the costuming, the classical music, the hauntingly beautiful winter landscapes of frozen river and fields. The shadow of change and the pathos and heartbreak on one hand, coupled with the promises and possibilities of new life and growth on the other, left me pondering the eternal questions of life and death. Don't miss it! Please don't miss it!

The Farthest (2017)

Beyond Stellar

[10/10 · 6 August 2017]

I was privileged to see this amazing documentary as part of the New Zealand International Film Festival in Christchurch, NZ. If you are enraptured by astronomy, physics, drama, tragedy, philosophy of science, or just amazing stories, don't miss this documentary. And if you're not, still see it and be prepared to change your mind. The documentary traces the whole story of the two Voyager missions to the outer planets of the solar system (and now beyond), from its earliest planning stages through to lift off and then all the incredible and unexpected discoveries since. The audience clapped loudly at the end of the showing, and deservedly so. Three cheers for the romance of science!

The Big Sick (2017)

The big sick is no such thing

[10/10 · 5 August 2017]

Don't let the title put you off. The big sick is quite something - comedy, drama, humour, pathos, parent/child expectations, cultural rigidity and socialization - this film has it all, and delivered with a sense of chutzpah gusto and panache.

Every actor, even the bit roles (e.g., tall man who never quite made it) play their roles to perfection. The mother/daughter casting was inspired, and the chemistry between the two stars was a joy to watch and listen to.

I'm not sure if the chilly mother's heart was finally melted, but if anyone could do it, Emily would.

So, if you are feeling sick, seeing this film is just the medicine the doctor ordered, and if you're feeling well, this film will make you weller...

Our Hospitality (1923)

Allegro con brio for the 21st Century (but only down under?)

[10/10 · 19 July 2017]

Acknowledgement: Most of the following has been taken or adapted from the 2017 New Zealand International Film Festival catalog.

Now this is the oddest review I have ever written, as I've yet to see the film. As part of the 2017 New Zealand International Film Festival, Our Hospitality is screening on a giant screen at the Isaac Theatre, Christchurch, New Zealand on Sunday 20 August, 2017 at 2pm. Carl Davis' orchestral score, commissioned by Thames Television for Channel 4, UK is to be performed live by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. Overseas film buffs, book your flights and tickets to the show now. The restoration of Our Hospitality is part of the Keaton Project, launched in 2015 by Cinetica di Bologna and The Cohen Film Collection.

As for my rating of 10/10, well, I'm prescient...

• Peter Hallinan

Footrot Flats: The Dog's Tale (1986)

Warm moonlight over our horizons

[8/10 · 18 March 2017]

Vale Murray Ball - and thank you TV3 for screening this homage to a bygone era.

Yes it's dated, sexist, homophobic and probably racist to boot, but there's still something quintessentially endearingly cheerful about this snapshot in time of a bygone age.

Our heroes face Homerically impossible odds against the evil forces of the Murphys, rats, wild pigs, the weather and anything else you can think of - but time after time they snatch victory from the jaws of defeat - this is the kind of spirit that led to the invention of Number 8 fencing wire, this is New Zealand...

The IMDb Studio at Sundance: Hilarious Chat With Sam Neill and Taika Waititi From 'Hunt for the Wilderpeople' (2016) Season 2, Episode 10

Stag (or pig) party par excellence!

[10/10 · 28 April 2016]

My wife had gone to a girls only night out to see Mamma Mia, so what was a redblooded (albeit elderly) male to do but go to see "Hunt for the wilderpeople". So glad I did - the film is great for all who love New Zealand the way we (probably mistakenly, but what the heck!) think it used to be. Barry Crump, iconically remembered for "A good keen man" is the inspired author of this lovingly brought to life story of two misfits who actually are not, when in the bush. Even the minor roles are hammed up to perfection, especially the lovely mother who died too young, and the Maori lady from "the welfare" - all I can say about her is move over Darth Vader, you've met your match... See it for the bush, see it for the comedy, see it for a subtle but deep appreciation of the human comedy, but above all see it - you'll be so glad you did...