Surprisingly incoherent and boring

Fantastic!

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

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

We saw this film at a screening with the director in May of 2004. We were lucky that an owner of a local theater chain saw this film at a film festival and brought it to our city, one of the first 3 to show the film. As a small independent film, this movie is at a disadvantage without a major studio backing them, but the director said he was committed to a theater release, so hopefully many people will that the opportunity to go see this beautiful movie.We were delighted with the freshness of the story and the beautiful scenery of New Zealand. Sally Andrews is so great as the girl, Elizabeth, and she steals the show. This is a sweet film that you can take the family to without worrying about inappropriate material. Ironically, you should be aware that there is some sexual innuendo, but it is likely to go over your children's heads, and I did not find it to be offensive. Overall the movie appeals to young and old alike, and I would highly recommend it.

Excellent movie for kids and family. Perfect for ages 10 and up, but 7-year-old kids absolutely loved it, too. As my daughter said, "It was so good, I forgot to eat my candy!" I spoke to several of the children, teenagers and adults after the movie. They all thoroughly enjoyed it. I specifically asked the mothers of 7-year-old girls if they were glad they brought their young daughters to the movie even though it's PG, and they each enthusiastically said yes. "Good values" was a phrase I heard very often by the adults. "Every girl should see it", said another.The main character works through issues such as basic right and wrong, friendship, bigotry, and family communication, and gives parents in the audience a wonderful opportunity to begin discussions on these topics with their own children. Finally, a good movie I'm actually glad my daughter saw.

It is seldom that I would tell my friends that there is a movie that they must see. For family entertainment this "is a must see". Thank you Mr.Gordon, as far as I'm concerned your 16 years of effort was worth it. You made this 45 year old Marine cry. Interwoven themes of bigotry, friendship, maturity, courage, family, culture, love and greed make for a movie that is refreshing and one that I would take the children to see again. The manipulative Mrs. Hobson and her friends reminded me of the cackling hens in "The Music Man". My older son cheered when Mr. Wakefield told Kupe to escort Mrs. Hobson out of their home.

It is a rare occasion for our whole family to enjoy the same film. Our kids (8 and 4) tend to have a lower expectation than do their parents. I know a movie is good that makes both me and my kids tear up with joy! I hope that this film can be an example to Hollywood that "family movies" can be thought provoking, beautifully shot, and interesting to the whole family, even without bodily function jokes. Remember, Hollywood, who pays for those eight-year old's movie tickets!! Please find a distributor for this movie. I know a lot of families who would love to see it!! Thanks to the Seattle International Film Festival for choosing this wonderful movie. REALLY. I am a fairly tough critic.