MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
6 Once Were Warriors (1994)
Fine Line Features
This New Zealand 1994 drama movie directed by Lee Tamahori (who later went on to direct 007 Die Another Day) is based on the 1990 novel of the same name. Definitely not an easy watch, but an important one, Once Were Warriors is an exercise in bleakness and brutality. The film follows the story of the Hekes, an urban MÄori family, and their problems with poverty, alcoholism, and domestic violence, mostly brought on by the patriarch, Jake. It also touches on the horrors of gang life as well as pedophilia–so, not light afternoon watching. The beautiful cinematography and the absolutely fantastic, raw, gritty and believable performances from the entire cast (especially Temuera Morrison as the hardened, abusive patriarch and Rena Owen as the long-suffering matriarch make it essential watching for fans of New Zealand cinema, or fans of good movies in general, really). If you do like this movie, it’s also well worth checking What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?, the equally impressive and engrossing 1999 sequel.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
5 Heavenly Creatures (1994)
New Zealand Film Commission
Another remarkable movie that came out in 1994 was Heavenly Creatures, Peter Jackson’s trippy take on true events inspired by the notorious 1954 Parker–Hulme murder case in Christchurch, New Zealand. What could have easily been a straightforward true crime-inspired biographical movie became something far deeper and enthralling. At its core, it’s really a character study that focuses on the relationship between two teenage girls—Pauline Parker (played by New Zealand native Melanie Lynskey) and Juliet Hulme (which was Kate Winslet’s debut movie performance)—which culminates in the murder of Parker’s mother. Jackson went on to further subvert genre expectations with his inclusion of fantastical visions and imagery which he intertwined into the retelling of the dark tragedy. Of course, we all know he went on to larger blockbusters like King Kong and the Lord of the Rings trilogy, but Heavenly Creatures marks the true arrival of Peter Jackson as more than just a cult director.
4 Dead Alive AKA Brain Dead (1992)
Talking of Peter Jackson and cult movies, Dead Alive (or Brain Dead as it’s also known as) is the ultimate in schlocky, sleazy, over the top splatter fun. The plot, what there is of it, follows a young man, Lionel, who is followed by his domineering mother as he takes his lady friend, Paquita, on a date to a zoo. At the zoo, his mother ends up getting bitten by a ‘rat-monkey’ and becomes infected. What follows next is absurd set piece followed by absurd set piece, culminating in the whole town becoming rabid zombies, except Lionel and Paquita. After unintentionally enhancing the zombies’ murderous abilities with animal stimulant, the pair are left to defend themselves with anything they can get their hands on, including a lawnmower, which results in what is widely regarded as one of the bloodiest scenes ever committed to film. The movie is an all-out splatter horror comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously and never lets up on the fun factor. The excessive blood, guts and gore might not be for everyone, but the lightheartedness of the whole affair makes it a (little) bit more accessible. Made on a shoestring budget, it was still a flop at the time of its release, grossing just a couple of hundred thousand dollars in the US. It was, however, widely enjoyed by critics who have praised its humor, acting, and technical qualities, given the budget, and it has since gone on to garner a large cult following and often makes top 100 lists of the best horror movies of all time.
3 Sleeping Dogs (1977)
Aardvark Films
This 1977 political thriller feels just as relevant now as it did at its release over 40 years ago. Notable for bringing the genius that is Sam Neil to the public’s attention and for being the first feature-length 35 mm film produced entirely in New Zealand, the film went on to become a commercial and critical hit. As New Zealand declines into a tyrannical police state as a fascist government institutes martial law the country descends into chaos. Lead protagonist Smith (played by Sam Neil) inadvertently gets caught up in the chaos. The movie manages to perfectly blend thought-provoking political scenarios and ideology with fast-paced action. The success of the movie is often credited in introducing the wider world to what New Zealand cinema had to offer.
2 What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
New Zealand FIlm Commission
Before the hit TV spin-off and before Taika Waititi became one of the hottest and most sought-after directors in Hollywood, there was What We Do in the Shadows, the 2014 New Zealand mockumentary horror comedy film. Written and directed by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, What We Do in the Shadows brought a brand new, unique and refreshing spin to the overcrowded vampire genre. The basic premise of the movie is: What would happen if several vampires, living in the present day, had to live and share a flat together? Really more a fish out of water comedy than a horror, this fly on the wall approach allows the plot to focus on how these creatures of the dark navigate a modern, mainly vampire free, society while trying to remain undetected (in the main). And like any house-share, there’s bound to be a few disagreements over cleaning duties and some noise issues, not to mention the odd run in with local werewolf gangs.
1 Black Sheep (2006)
If there’s one thing this list has proven, it’s that New Zealand seems to be really, really good at producing great comedy horror movies. Perhaps it’s the lasting influence of Peter Jackson’s early work or just something in the air, but there’s a common feel of earnest, good-hearted commitment to their over-the-top premises which makes them so fun to watch. Black Sheep is no different, this time around instead of vampires, or chemically enhanced zombies, the antagonists are zombie sheep. If you know anything about New Zealand, you’d know that this is not a good thing as there are a lot of sheep. What makes this movie especially funny is that this B-movie lunacy is played completely straight. Gore hounds won’t be disappointed either as Black Sheep is a violent and grotesque movie that takes its insane premise to a delirious extreme.
