Masterful Movie

I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

A fly on the wall viewpoint of the 1996 election campaign for the Wellington Central electorate in New Zealand. We see tears, tiredness, and disappointment, and optimism and success on the faces of the various candidates. The camera manages to capture many priceless moments showing the emotions of the candidates. It also shows many humorous juxtapositions - I laughed out loud many times. Surprisingly, the movie doesn't show bias towards any one candidate, and all the main players got camera time. I was left wanting to know more - like what happened to the unsuccessful candidates. Enjoyable film, funny, interesting, and one where whatever your political leanings you will gain an appreciation for the hard yards that all the candidates put in.

A compelling documentary, even for someone not interested in politics, about the respective campaigns of the candidates running for a parliamentary seat in central wellington. The film focuses on the trials, tribulations and emotions of each candidate as election day draws closer, without taking a voyeuristic approach. The drama and even suspense is created naturally through the polling and electoral process, without the aid of any musical or theatrical mechanisms. I hate politics, but found the film enjoyable. It is worth a look if you feel like something different.