Taika Waititi is one of the best modern New Zealand filmmakers, with his films Eagle Vs Shark, Boy and What We Do In The Shadows all immensely entertaining. Before directing Thor: Ragnarok, he delivers another New Zealand treat, Hunt For The Wilderpeople.
The film focuses on a national manhunt for a young troublemaking kid Ricky (Julian Dennison) and his grumpy foster Uncle Hec (Sam Neill) who are on the run in the expansive New Zealand wilderness.
This is a truly adorable film about friendship, family and the spirit of adventure that masterfully walks the line between the ridiculous and gritty reality. Though (positively) similar to Pixar's Up, Waititi instils the film with the uniquely cheeky, darkly funny New Zealand humour. He also creates vividly drawn characters and genuine drama, some of which is tear-inducing. Also, cinematographer Lachlan Milne beautifully captures the New Zealand environment while the soundtrack/score is wonderfully nostalgic.
Veteran Sam Neill and newcomer Julian Dennison make a dynamite combination, with Neill embracing his cragginess and vulnerability in his best character work in years, while Dennison shows excellent range, handles comedy and drama superbly. Aiding them is an expertly zany support cast, also with hilarious cameos from Flight Of The Conchords' Rhys Darby and Waititi himself.
Hunt for the Wilderpeople is entertaining, resonant, must-see New Zealand cinema.
