Uproar (2023) User Reviews

Uproar

[philmoore2008 · 8/10 · 11 October 2023]

Josh Waaka is a young teenager played brilliantly by Julian Dennison who doesn't fit in at a private New Zealand school in the 1980's. He has a brother named Jamie played by James Rolleston who has an injury and was a huge part of the rugby team's school. His mother Shirley played by Minnie Driver is a cleaner at the school and they struggling to get by. Josh discovers he has a knack for acting and joins the school drama club. At the same time the Springbok rugby tour in New Zealand is going on and there are protests going on around the country because of Apartheid. I found the film really interesting and loved the performances from Dennison and Driver. There were many funny moments and heart warming moments as well. When Josh did a haka for audition for a drama school that sent shivers up my spine. As a kiwi i really identified with this film my father was on the side who just wanted to see rugby and my uncle protested this tour in 1981. I think if i was alive back then I would have protested as well because detest racism in any form. I can only say seek this film out if you can because it is really worth your time. See it in a theatre if you can it is one of top ten films of 2023 so far.

Who am I?

[gunnerpoa-96504 · 9/10 · 9 November 2023]

Initially I went to watch this movie with the point of view of what it was like being a minority race in that time and if it still correlates to today. The short answer is yes, it's an unseen underbelly in todays New Zealand but behind closed doors and even in pockets of social media platforms you get the gist that people although not all still have something against the minority race. I'm Maori, an indeginous (yet soon may not be) New Zealander and everything in this movie hit and resonated with me and that ultimate question who am I could not have been writ better, it hit hard, I cried I laughed, an angry voice finally heard, this movie done this for me. I felt eyes looking at me as I walked of the cinema, looking at me in a different light as if this shed light on what it's like being Maori colonized by a western view point. This movie had some wit to it like it's characters and I can only imagine that entire ensemble were all on board and the direction and storyline and within it the subtle storytelling to give this movie the best shot all aligned. Julian Chur my maori, made me cry bloody bugger 😂

Stunning

[gordonandsheryn · 10/10 · 30 October 2023]

Have just watched this amazing movie and was stunned by the incredible acting from all involved and by an excellent script. As an old codger that was involved in the protest movement which was central to this movie I was touched and moved by the way it was interwoven into the story. Julian Dennison and James Rolleston deserve international recognition for their acting not only in this film but in their previous roles. They are truly gifted. The film is so poignant not only because of the issues it portrays but because they are still relevant today 42 years after the rugby tour of 1981. My film of the year with out a doubt. Highly recommended.

If Darby isn't on screen it isn't worth watching

[jtindahouse · 4/10 · 21 April 2024]

The thing I like most about New Zealanders is ironically the reason we are very bad at making movies. We are a very safe and non-daring people, and so our movies always come across this way. You never get a moment that drops your jaw or takes you off-guard. You always get exactly what you expect from start to finish and that is no different in 'Uproar'. A remarkably forgettable film.

The only thing I found to connect with in this movie was Rhys Darby. Both his character and his performance were terrific. He gave me 'Dead Poet's Society' Robin Williams vibes. If they ever wanted to do a spin-off movie about his character I'd be first in line to see that.

Otherwise though, the film just doesn't work. It isn't funny and so doesn't have that to pave over the cracks. And the story doesn't have the emotional impact, or even close to it, that it would've needed for the film to work. 4/10.

Coming of Age for the Whole Family

[FastRita · 10/10 · 1 April 2024]

Beautifully written and directed with a light, deft touch that allow all the actors have space to be real. Julian Dennison holds the film together with terrific support from James Rolleston and Craig Hall. Minnie Driver delivers a subtle performance to remind us she's still out there with Star power.

The Indigenous themes set against the Springbok tour of 1984 are generous and heartfelt.

But it's the family themes, answering the question, "What are you," that resonate. Loving and holding it all together while letting go. Quite the tightrope to walk.

Watch it. A joy to spend time with a film that's about life as it's lived, and not clickbait fiction.

Loved it, recommended it to everyone I know

[jodyrbennett · 10/10 · 4 April 2024]

A beautiful commentary on Aotearoa New Zealand in the early 80s, and a moving coming of age story. I laughed and cried, and recommended it to everyone I know.

Julian Dennison is brilliant as the lead character Josh, supported by excellent performances from Erana James, Minnie Driver, Rhys Darby and Mark Mitchinson, among others. Wonderful direction from Hamish Bennett and Paul Middleditch, and I particularly appreciated the authentic and powerful depiction of Maori culture. The haka scene during the protest was amazing.

There was an audible positive response to this film, lots of laughs and gasps throughout, and animated chatting afterwards, always a great sign of a happy audience.

Loved it!