Māori TV On Demand once again proves why film-lovers of Aotearoa need to keep their eyes on their service. In the month ahead, their selection of films hit large and hard. Take a look at what’s available to everyone nationwide.
Nightcrawler
Jake Gyllenhaal leads this Los Angeles-set drama as a devilishly persistent creep who, struggling for employment, barges into the underground world of freelance crime journalism. Co-stars Rene Russo, with a screenplay nominated for an Academy Award.
“Jake Gyllenhaal’s Lou Bloom is one hell of a creation; the sort of person you hope doesn’t exist, but probably does.” -Matt Glasby, FLICKS
Watch on Māori TV On Demand (ends 27 May)
Churchill
No, it’s not the Gary Oldman one. This Winston Churchill drama stars Brian Cox as the cigar-chomping politician 24 hours before D-Day. Co-stars Miranda Richardson and John Slattery.
“Brian Cox gives good Churchill.” -Paul Casserly, FLICKS
Watch on Māori TV On Demand (ends 25 May)
Tama Tū
Taika Waititi followed up his Oscar-nominated short Two Cars, One Night with this snapshot of a Māori squad in World War II taking a break and entertaining themselves before an oncoming firefight.
Watch on Māori TV On Demand (ends 25 May)
Māui’s Hook
Five New Zealand families, each grieving over a loved one who took their life, bravely and openly discuss the tragedy of suicide.
“Filmmaker Paora Joseph delivers the cinematic kōrero this country needs to have.” -Liam Maguren, FLICKS
Watch on Māori TV On Demand (ends 3 June)
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
This BAFTA and Golden Globe winning drama is the true story of Elle magazine editor Jean-Dominique Bauby (Mathieu Amalric), who, in 1995 at the age of 43, suffered a stroke that paralyzed his entire body, except his left eye—which he used to blink his memoir.
“A unique film experience and utterly immersive.” -FLICKS
Watch on Māori TV On Demand (18 May – 28 May)
The Last Saint
Independent crime-drama set in Auckland, following a teenager trying to care for his drug-dependent mother. His plight introduces him to three men who make great promises, but even greater risks.
“Impresses on a number of levels.” -Liam Maguren, FLICKS
Watch on Māori TV On Demand (24 May – 3 June)
Still Alice
Julianne Moore (in an Oscar, BAFTA and Golden Globe winning performance) plays Harvard professor Alice (Moore) who is happily married with three grown children, until she is diagnosed with the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
“It’s no wonder tissues were handed out prior to a recent Auckland screening.” -Rebecca Barry Hill, FLICKS
Watch on Māori TV On Demand (25 May)
The Trip to Spain
After tripping through the UK and Italy, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon eat, bicker and do impressions while taking in the beauty of Spain.
“Coogan and Brydon are amiable enough, and often hilarious. They’re still nice to hang out with. Just slightly less so.” -Tony Stamp, FLICKS
Watch on Māori TV On Demand (19 May – 29 May)
Maudie
Sally Hawkins and Ethan Hawke star in this true story of gifted, arthritic Canadian folk painter Maud Lewis and her unlikely romance with the reclusive Everett Lewis.
“What started as cinematic torture transformed ultimately into a charming story of unanticipated celebrity and success.” -Sarah Watt, STUFF
Watch on Māori TV On Demand (26 May – 25 June)
Life, Animated
Coming-of-age documentary biography on Owen Suskind, a young man who was unable to speak as a child until he and his family discovered a unique way to communicate – by immersing themselves in the world of classic Disney animated films.
“Hugely affectionate, ponderously observant look at an autistic man (same age as me) whose own identity is largely influenced by Disney films.” -Liam Maguren, FLICKS
Watch on Māori TV On Demand (27 May – 6 June)
Goldstone
A seemingly simple missing persons case leads to a complex web of corruption implicating the local Mayor, Mining Boss and Aboriginal Land Council in this outback crime thriller.
“The film delivers both as a thriller and as an expose.” -David Stratton, THE AUSTRALIAN
Watch on Māori TV On Demand (9 June – 8 July)
Hotere
The great Merata Mita’s biopic on Ralph Hotere (Te Aupōuri), one of Aotearoa’s greatest artists, provides an intimate look into his creative process and the extensive body of work he’s produced over the years.
Watch on Māori TV On Demand (10 June – 8 July)
Hotel Rwanda
American historical drama based on real-life events in Rwanda during the spring of 1994. Winner of the AGF People’s Choice Award at the 2004 Toronto Film Festival and starring Don Cheadle and Sophie Okonedo.
“A political thriller based on fact that hammers every button on the emotional console.” -NEW YORK TIMES
Watch on Māori TV On Demand (8 June – 18 June)
