Reviewed by Kate Rodger
This well-timed kiwi outing from filmmaker Gaylene Preston will attract a passionate audience, with the kind of film many will augment with their own personal stories for a more intimate resonance.
Preston’s story is her own, of her parents Ed and Tui during World War II, told through recreated interviews and flashbacks.
There is no question stories like these are important chapters in our heritage, but cinematically for me the film didn’t leap from the screen in a way that fully engaged me.
A bigger budget would have more fully realised the war sequences, almost certainly adding impact.
Great performances and gorgeously shot by long-time Preston collaborator Alun Bollinger.
Three stars.
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Christmas
:: Director:Gaylene Preston
:: Starring: Tony Barry, Martin Henderson and
Chelsie Preston-Crayford
:: Running Time: 95 mins
:: Rating: PG
:: Release Date: April 29, 2010
