Subjects:
their five children - a family in crisis. Although the story takes place in New Zealand, and
the characters portray an urban Maori native family, many of the scenarios, situations and
characteristics that are presented in the film are relative to our own country and culture. I
found the viewing and reviewing of this film to be extremely triggering for me
emotionally. Over and over again I found myself drawn back to the memories and
emotions of a time when my own lifestyle reflected only too closely the events that were
depicted on the screen. Time and again my fists clenched in sympathetic agony, and my
stomach knotted with tension in anticipation of the next scene, which from my
experience, I knew would be coming. The characters seemed so real that I could replace
the names and faces with those of people I have known well; Most of whom dwell now in
the place of spirits, or no doubt wish they did.
I found myself contemplating deeply on the concept of duality - both the duality
represented in the timeline of my own history, and the duality that the characters wrestle
with in the film. The plot, with its stark images seems to
. . .
process is called “bottoming out”. As the camera
perception changes, we realize that the serenity we felt was merely the image on an
expressway billboard. He becomes Jake “the Muss”, genial, powerful, commanding,
brimming with confidence and respected (at least by his bar buddies). Their innocence and resilience apparently keeps them blissfully unaware of
the complexity and crisis that surrounds them.
All young men go through a period where it becomes necessary to “fly from the nest”
and seek and express their individual identity.
First of all, the relationship between Beth and Jake has lasted eighteen years and has
produced five wonderful offspring. There is a cultural
aspect as well, with their tattooed bodies and faces and their warrior-like solidarity,
stoicism and discipline they are attempting to connect with a history, culture and tradition
that is as powerful and proud as any that the world has seen. They sing beautifully
and its magic seems to strengthen the bond of love that they share.
Beth appears to be able to pick up some extra cash housekeeping or some such, and
together they are able to somehow make ends meet. The lack of portrayal of any gainful
employment by any of the main characters is noticeably evident and I feel it safe to
assume that their circumstances provide few “life chances” for such. Jake is lost in a haze of alcoholism and extreme
violence. All of the family
members seem to posses an inspiring determination to survive and stay strong in spite of
the depressing surroundings. Beth
delivers her final lines and leaves Jake in the parking lot of the bar, from there returning
to her culture where we assume she will regain her pride, heal her family’s wounds and
rebuild their self identity as a people whose ancestors “Once were Warriors”
.
Essay's Topics
All research is for reference purposes only.