1981 New Zealand was a time of unrest with violent protesting rising alongside the tensions of Apartheid in South Africa. Julian Dennison is taking a step away from the usual child actor comic relief sidekick that he has been typecast as, as he steps into the lead role in this coming-of-age film. Losing his father as a child, Josh is learning what it means to grow up Māori in a white-dominated school, having been disconnected from his culture in his formative years.

A turning point in Josh’s journey to self-discovery was the decision to grab a camera to film young Māori protesting which ended in a violent brawl against police forces. Featuring front page of his local paper, the principal threatens to expel him if he continues to protest and doesn’t prove his worth in the local rugby team. Alongside his older brother, coach of the team and dealing with his own trauma, Josh realises the importance of proving himself on the sports field.

Rhys Darby, delivers the comic relief in the form of Josh’s passionate drama teacher who sees potential in his passionate delivery. Josh now must toss up what direction he wants his life to take, continue to satiate the principal in the rugby team or to pursue auditions at NIDA.

The film deals with some heavy themes, and does tend to miss out on striking some emotional chords, potentially as the film is quite simplified and sanitised. Viewing from the lens of being intended as an educational film for a younger audience, there is merit to this film in displaying what tensions were, how they still exist, and the importance of Māori cultural links.

2.5 out of 5 stars.