Review by ©
Jane Freebury
It used to go
without saying that brandishing a fist at the authorities was a staple of
Australian film. It probably still is. We know how to give it a good shake, so
this jaunt through the New Zealand wilderness with a couple of endearing
fugitives on the run from nosey and incompetent authority is handled in ways
that will make the rebellious antipodean proud. Hunt for the Wilderpeople is a film to embrace for its spirit as
much as for its skill.
This story about
a kid called Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison) who just needs a good home is told
in ten chapters, a salute to the popular novel from which it is adapted, 'Wild
Pork and Watercress' by Barry Crump. At the very least, Ricky needs a home that
will take him in, because he is a handful who pitches stuff, does graffiti, and
packs letter boxes with fireworks. 'A bad egg', just ask Paula (Rachel House),
the dragon lady from family services for her view, and no one will have him.
When Ricky
arrives at his new home deep in lush New Zealand wilderness, it is his last
chance, the only thing between him and an institution. Never mind that. The
ramshackle house and new foster parents, Bella (Rima Te Wiata) and her husband
Hec (Sam Neill), are so uncool for preternaturally street-wise Ricky, hip-hop
officiando, that he is ready to leave after a 30-second tour of the property.
No chance,
of course he has to stay. Before long Bella’s love and kindness and the
comforts of home – a birthday cake with candles, his very own pet dog (Tupac),
a water bottle to warm his bed, are all new experiences that win him over—though
he tries running away a few times. Sadly, no sooner is he happily ensconced in
the bosom of his new family, than Bella is cruelly taken from him, and from Hec.
A tragedy swiftly passed over, segueing into funeral scenes that serve as an
excuse for more hilarity.
Ricky and
Tupac light out for the territory, with Hec in hot pursuit. When Hec injures
his ankle it introduces a period of enforced togetherness. That's the chapter
called 'Broken Foot Camp' and it's when Hec and Ricky finally bond.
Family
services think their disappearance is an abduction and three hunters who the
pair encounter determine, after a cleverly scripted interchange, that Hec is a predatory
paedophile. When Ricky and Hec attempt a getaway in the old truck borrowed from
their host, hermit and fellow fugitive from society, Psycho Sam (Rhys Darby),
things take a turn for the worse as family services, the police, the army, and
bounty hunters and every unwelcome outside interference are ranged against them.
As the choppers, tanks and military hardware close in, it's Paula who is orchestrating
the manoeuvres through her megaphone. The fun never lets up.
On top of telling
a good yarn, the very talented Kiwi director and screenwriter Taika Waititi has
made liberal use of chase movie references, popular music, and even managed
some asides on the Lord of the Rings in
passing. Despite all the diverting distractions in this highly entertaining and
big-hearted movie, we are with Ricky and Hec all the way.
Four Stars
Also published at www.janefreeburywriter.com.au