Pecking Order looks at the rivalries and obsessions of a group of New Zealand chicken breeders from Christchurch on the months leading up to the National Poultry Show. Like many similar documentaries its focus is a very unusual activity and the eccentrics who partake in it. Needless to say, there are a few funny moments along the way but not maybe as many as you might expect. This is partially down to director Slavko Martinov who commendably does not make his subjects look foolish with cheap editing techniques. He fairly depicts everybody in an even-handed manner and allows us to see the wider picture as much as is possible. There is perhaps a lack of true dramatics here, aside from some background politics amongst the members of the chicken club. But it is all fairly minor stuff and there aren't really any major dramas. It's probably partially on account of these people being even headed Kiwis that things don't get out of hand, if this had focused on chicken people from a more volatile part of the world I guess the feathers would well and truly be flying. The participants here do genuinely seem like a nice bunch of folks, so there aren't any pantomime villains. Nevertheless, like all good docs you find yourself drawn into a world you know literally nothing about and I started to think I could spot a good-looking chicken. This is definitely an enjoyable watch which goes for a lightly amusing approach as opposed to full-on comedy, as a result it feels a little truer to the people involved.
13 Reviews
Pecking Order - A Movie Not to be Missed
colinmclay4 June 2017
This film will become a cult classic among those interested in documentaries telling a real life story about rivalry and dedication to "chooks". There is no acting in the movie it is all "as-is-where-is"! It has all the elements of human nature that we unconsciously aspire to especially WINNING the battle and the tensions surrounding how to achieve that.
The real life characters are engaging and memorable meaning that viewers will be talking about the experience of seeing it for weeks afterward, spreading the word and asking everyone they meet "Have you seen the "Chook" movie yet?"
The overall production and filming are superb, especially the way that the serious bits are interspersed with comical elements showing that the life of even high-flying show birds is far from being certain: one feather out of place and you could be a pot-boiler tomorrow! These beautiful pieces of poultry should be paid danger money or at least given a decent burial!
WHATEVER YOU DO - Don't MISS IT.
The real life characters are engaging and memorable meaning that viewers will be talking about the experience of seeing it for weeks afterward, spreading the word and asking everyone they meet "Have you seen the "Chook" movie yet?"
The overall production and filming are superb, especially the way that the serious bits are interspersed with comical elements showing that the life of even high-flying show birds is far from being certain: one feather out of place and you could be a pot-boiler tomorrow! These beautiful pieces of poultry should be paid danger money or at least given a decent burial!
WHATEVER YOU DO - Don't MISS IT.
My review of Pecking Order
jenwren-8917311 October 2017
My husband and I went to see Pecking Order at the Harbour Lights cinema Southampton on 10/10/2017. We have kept a small number of chickens in the past so were sure we would love it. Well, we both did. We loved the interaction between the people at the clubs, even though they were having the usual problems that occur in any club situation. Been there done that. Loved the birds, the honest and caring way they are raised and prepared for the shows.My husband has an Uncle in Christchurch who we have lost contact with.Love seeing how people live there. Would love to visit but late 60s early 70s now. Not practical. We shall be watching with interest in future. Well done to everyone involved in the making of this film/documentary.
An instant classic, charming and warm with some surprising elements.
ninaofsdal15 July 2017
This is an impressively well crafted documentary about a charming group of people in the Christchurch poultry club. The film shows a very honest portrait of the characters, without ever taking a mock at their peculiar hobby. It soon becomes clear that the filming takes place during unforeseen events shaking things up several notches, and the filmmaker handles these circumstances in an excellent manner. There are so many layers to this film, I can see it being enjoyed by a wide range of audiences.
What could have easily turned in to a one-dimensional film about some kooky players in the show circuit, or even something close to a mockumentary, rather turns out to be an unexpected political film dealing with the universal themes of power structures, obsessions and the inevitability of progress. I'm impressed at how well it all blends together - the comedy, drama and peculiarities of this particular setting. I saw the film in New Zealand, but could definitely recognize the Scandinavian culture I grew up in. It's a film that should go well with audiences from all continents.
I loved every second of it. A highly recommended must-watch!
What could have easily turned in to a one-dimensional film about some kooky players in the show circuit, or even something close to a mockumentary, rather turns out to be an unexpected political film dealing with the universal themes of power structures, obsessions and the inevitability of progress. I'm impressed at how well it all blends together - the comedy, drama and peculiarities of this particular setting. I saw the film in New Zealand, but could definitely recognize the Scandinavian culture I grew up in. It's a film that should go well with audiences from all continents.
I loved every second of it. A highly recommended must-watch!
Best documentary I've seen this year
maccas-563671 June 2019
I probably wouldn't have believed you - if you told me one of the best documentaries I see in 2019 will be about people breeding chickens in New Zealand. This was amazing. Imagine a real-life version of "Best In Show" - but with chickens and New Zealand accents.
This made me laugh almost non-stop in the first half of the film. Then I just found myself looking completely past the characters and becoming completely involved in the art of breeding chickens. By the time the New Zealand Nationals rolled around, I was completely hooked and on the edge of my seat.
"Pecking Order" has better developed characters and more laugh-out-loud moments than most actual dramas these days. It's not short on drama itself either, with more twists and turns than anyone would think possible in a documentary about chooks.
It's so lighthearted and fun. The passion these people have is contagious. That very passion draws the viewer in and you can't help but admire them and become completely engaged throughout the whole film.
If you like documentaries, then watch this.
This made me laugh almost non-stop in the first half of the film. Then I just found myself looking completely past the characters and becoming completely involved in the art of breeding chickens. By the time the New Zealand Nationals rolled around, I was completely hooked and on the edge of my seat.
"Pecking Order" has better developed characters and more laugh-out-loud moments than most actual dramas these days. It's not short on drama itself either, with more twists and turns than anyone would think possible in a documentary about chooks.
It's so lighthearted and fun. The passion these people have is contagious. That very passion draws the viewer in and you can't help but admire them and become completely engaged throughout the whole film.
If you like documentaries, then watch this.
Essential viewing!
pwhalljones25 May 2022
This little gem is an inadvertent parody of the characters and dramas one finds in every non-profit organisation. Whether you're heading off to a dream job in some project office at the United Nations, or signing on for your local Cozzie Club management committee, watch this first!
This film is hilarious with heart
LoveMoophies6 July 2020
Great pandemic viewing for the whole family
buffyjiggs7 August 2021
Very Happy Accident
paulbmckenzie7 August 2021
I was looking for a documentary about sibling rivalry and stumbled across Pecking Order. After realizing my mistake it was too late - I could not turn it off. I thought about turning it off and watching it together with my wife later on but instead watched it twice. I wish there were more documentaries like this.
Heartwarming & thought provoking
jonesykd19 May 2019
I enjoyed everything about this special doco / film from the moment it started. Sensitivity filmed, honest and sometimes uncomfortable in its approach, I smiled and laughed and felt my heart connect to many of the people in the film who's stories were so poignantly told. Never did I want to laugh at, only with these people. Within that group I could recognise many people in my own life, office, family and wider social circle. Although this is a local Kiwi movie about a small group of people who love their chickens, it also challenged me to look at my own behaviour and attitudes/judgments toward people I know and to value their uniqueness.
I just loved the movie and it still makes me smile when I think of it. Would love to see what other films the director Slavko Martinov is considering doing, as I'm a fan already.
A must watch!
martinovvictoria26 July 2021
Wonderful heartfelt film
georgiafleury19 May 2019
A wonderful film that shows in a simple way the beauty that is within our human vulnerabilities and quirkyness.
A very moving watch as we see the challenges and stresses the authentic characters have to deal with within their club and as the competition day approaches.
Very sincere with the right balance of humour!
Absolute Gem
paulbmcknz7 August 2021
This documentary has so many layers and I don't just mean the hens. From the innocence and charm of youngsters forging a love of breeding, selecting and grooming chickens to the dramas and ruffled egos within the poultry club leadership. This documentary masterpiece is inspiring for students of documentary film and students of life. Truth really is stranger than fiction.
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