Masterful Movie

If you like to be scared, if you like to laugh, and if you like to learn a thing or two at the movies, this absolutely cannot be missed.

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

This is ultimately a movie about the very bad things that can happen when we don't address our unease, when we just try to brush it off, whether that's to fit in or to preserve our self-image.

This a rare little film i picked up from my DVD shop on the recommendation of a girlfriend who saw it at the NZ International film Festival and couldn't stop raving about itI'd heard complaints and negative responses to it as well, it definitely seems to polariseIn terms of performance it was very strong especially for a New Zealand filmAnd I thought the script was brilliantHowever I found the shifts in tone a little strange at times especially the humour and irony but enjoyed and went with it nevertheless and I feel in the long run that it helped balance a grim journeyIts unfortunate that this film didn't get a cinema release, maybe its too dark? Pushes too many buttons?I don't know and can only speculate as in terms of quality it is a much stronger film than most of the NZ features to play in cinemas here in the last ten years or soIts a real shame as its a potentially great platform to stimulate discussion around some tough issuesAnd this country needs to face up to these issues that are ripe in our so called paradise, our little 'godzone'i'm interested to now what others think nowspecial - tears and hope

There are many, many moments that knocked me for deadThe opening sequence had me squirming in my chair, it goes on so long - and I was holding my breath! The final scene is stunning too. Perfect, perfect way to end it - it doesn't tie it all up neatly but allows the experience to live on denying easy consumption and easy answers!I love that pink Balaclava too!and so many great details through it - anyway don't want to spoilbut i can say that I loved the circularity of its narrative structure and the recurring images that come back distorted - That whole party sequence - brilliant Anyway i guess I was expecting a low budget fairly straight gritty drama but instead was bowled over by a brave, untidy, deeply disturbing, beautiful trip - yes brilliant stuff but imagine some will hate it, not get it - PITY!

I saw this film on my computer during the free online screening, which I thought was a fantastic idea! Especially for a film like this that is not playing at cinemas but really deserves a wide exhibition and would probably just disappear of the radar and grow quietly and steadily through word of mouth. DENIAL AND IGNORANCE! I just read the review by the guy who thought it was crap and laughed out loud. I mean his comment about the quality of the film-making and even worse not understanding the crime Gary commits and how he needed it to be a crime of passion???? !!! for it to work for him. mmmm yes...Obviously he was very upset by the film which is revealing in itself. To me the film is a litmus test for intelligence and open mindedness. The film does tackle some tough and dark issues but the story is told so well and we are drawn into the scenario as it unfolds having empathy for the main character after he commits a crime that is going to repulse most and many would kill him for I am sure. I can speak for myself when I say that I was genuinely moved and challenged by this little film. I thought the performances where fantastic esp Gareth Reeves as Gary and the direction was great, loved the soundtrack also... God I get a little depressed when NZ films like No 2, In my fathers Den,Black Sheep, Show of Hands, Apron Strings and many others get friendly reviews and universal praise when they don't deserve it and a film like this has a really tough time. Anyway I hope the people behind the film are able to make more and looking forward to the next one!! I read in an interview it was a tough road to get it made.

I really do not understand all the praise for this movie, its unoriginal, awkward, badly written, and it just tries way too hard. Do people like it because its Indy and they feel they will be more cultured if they say the think its good? It lacked any reason for the forgettable main character to need money in the first place, he just needs money, so badly that he robs his neighbor, and hey while he's at it why not rape her? It makes no sense, sure it could be a regretful crime of passion, but that's not the way it is in the movie. There is nothing in this film that I liked, it makes me embarrassed about kiwi cinema to be honest, way too dramatic, lacks any substance. It just relies on rape and drugs without any style, to shock viewers in to thinking its good.