Reviewed by Kate Rodger
Matariki is an ensemble narrative, with an interweaving collection of stories, set in and around South Auckland over Matariki, Maori New Year, and spiralling off from one violent incident.
One of this film's strengths is the multicultural heart which beats within it, and that heart keeps the stronger storylines alive, and are at times deeply affecting.
The weaker ones distracted and detracted from that for me, and took a bit of the shine off.
Matariki is still a good watch, glued together with another great cinematic soundtrack from Don McGlashan.
Three and a half stars.
Matariki
:: Director: Michael Bennett
:: Starring: Jason Wu, Susana Tang, Sara Wiseman, IaHeto Ah Hi, Jarod Rawiri, Alix Bushnell, Edwin Wright , Michael Whalley, Mark Ruka
:: Running Time: 92 mins
:: Rating: R13 - Violence, drug use and offensive language
:: Release Date: November 18, 2010
