Uproar

"Uproar" is a significant New Zealand film starring Rhys Darby and Julian Dennison, delving into racism and Maori inequity. Set during the 1981 Springbok tour, it follows a young Maori boy navigating life in a predominantly white private school. The film masterfully blends humour and gravity, highlighting serious themes with a light touch. Expect a mix of laughs, tears, and inspiration as it tackles important conversations with grace and authenticity. This film is both a poignant and entertaining portrayal of New Zealand's complex social issues. Aotearoa New Zealand needs more films like this.

In '80s-based NZ drama "Uproar" half-Maori teen Julian Dennison (great) struggles both at his mainly white school and at home where Brit mum Minnie Driver fights to keep the family afloat after her Maori hubbie's death and older bro James Rolleston pines a rugger career crushed by injury. Through teacher Rhys Darby (good) Dennison naturally exels at drama (set against the rugger he has to play) while in backdrop South Africa's NZ rugger tour stokes racial tensions that bite home via the likes of Dennison's pal Jada Fa'atui. Co-director (with Paul Misdleditch) Hamish Bennett and co-writer Sonia Whiteman pack plenty in, but it works. It's a terrific movie.

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The thing I like most about New Zealanders is ironically the reason we are very bad at making movies. We are a very safe and non-daring people, and so our movies always come across this way. You never get a moment that drops your jaw or takes you off-guard. You always get exactly what you expect from start to finish and that is no different in 'Uproar'. A remarkably forgettable film. The only thing I found to connect with in this movie was Rhys Darby. Both his character and his performance were terrific. He gave me 'Dead Poet's Society' Robin Williams vibes. If they ever wanted to do a spin-off movie about his character I'd be first in line to see that. Otherwise though, the film just doesn't work. It isn't funny and so doesn't have that to pave over the cracks. And the story doesn't have the emotional impact, or even close to it, that it would've needed for the film to work. 4/10.

A beautiful commentary on Aotearoa New Zealand in the early 80s, and a moving coming of age story. I laughed and cried, and recommended it to everyone I know. Julian Dennison is brilliant as the lead character Josh, supported by excellent performances from Erana James, Minnie Driver, Rhys Darby and Mark Mitchinson, among others. Wonderful direction from Hamish Bennett and Paul Middleditch, and I particularly appreciated the authentic and powerful depiction of Maori culture. The haka scene during the protest was amazing. There was an audible positive response to this film, lots of laughs and gasps throughout, and animated chatting afterwards, always a great sign of a happy audience. Loved it!

Beautifully written and directed with a light, deft touch that allow all the actors have space to be real. Julian Dennison holds the film together with terrific support from James Rolleston and Craig Hall. Minnie Driver delivers a subtle performance to remind us she's still out there with Star power. The Indigenous themes set against the Springbok tour of 1984 are generous and heartfelt. But it's the family themes, answering the question, "What are you," that resonate. Loving and holding it all together while letting go. Quite the tightrope to walk. Watch it. A joy to spend time with a film that's about life as it's lived, and not clickbait fiction.

Josh Waaka is a young teenager played brilliantly by Julian Dennison who doesn't fit in at a private New Zealand school in the 1980's. He has a brother named Jamie played by James Rolleston who has an injury and was a huge part of the rugby team's school. His mother Shirley played by Minnie Driver is a cleaner at the school and they struggling to get by. Josh discovers he has a knack for acting and joins the school drama club. At the same time the Springbok rugby tour in New Zealand is going on and there are protests going on around the country because of Apartheid. I found the film really interesting and loved the performances from Dennison and Driver. There were many funny moments and heart warming moments as well. When Josh did a haka for audition for a drama school that sent shivers up my spine. As a kiwi i really identified with this film my father was on the side who just wanted to see rugby and my uncle protested this tour in 1981. I think if i was alive back then I would have protested as well because detest racism in any form. I can only say seek this film out if you can because it is really worth your time. See it in a theatre if you can it is one of top ten films of 2023 so far.