hursthurst-hurst
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
thewalkermoon
Simply put this film is a gem and hopefully will find a deservingly wide audience. I found it tough at times but was involved for the whole film and surprisingly found myself rooting for the main character Gary (wicked performance by Gareth Reeves) even though he did something that really disgusted and appalled me. i couldn't stop watching... In fact I thought that all the performances where great. I loved Ian Mune as Gary's dad and the little actor who plays Laughlin Gary's nephew. Rarely for a kiwi film there is a sophistication and irony at work in the film, layers of ideas and social comment interwoven in the scenario. Interested to see where the director goes with his next feature. Great.
tanekeol
Wow! I was really caught offguard as I didn't expect this movie to be so moving and well told as it hadnt gotten cinema release here in NZ. The performances and direction where excellent and loved the soundtrack. Gritty and Super tense. That pinnacle moment of the main crime is fast and unexpected making me angry, confused and shocked. Gary's whole life is so awful and so real that I can't help feel for him and his terrible situations and be touched by the simplest achievements amongst the scourge surrounding him. A great, sad little kiwi drama that will rival any films in this genre, anywhere in the world. hopefully the film will get out there now! It deserves to be seen by all! I will be telling my friends and family to see it that is for sure.
fiercedragons
A SONG OF GOOD is a small low budget digital film from New Zealand that probably wont see the light of day in the UK but this is a deeply moving powerful story that deserves to be seen. It is the story of a young man struggling for redemption in a society that couldn't care less.I was really surprised how moved I was by the main character Gary's plight especially after the disgusting senseless crime he commits but I was with him the whole way and that is a major achievement. I was especially touched by Gary's relationship with his nephew, Laughlin?...The performances and direction are all round great and the touches of dry black humour and irony throughout where a surprise considering the tone and situation but still strangely worked somehow.And i really liked the use of sound design.I will remember some of the images and moments for some time to come I think.