Hunt For The Wilderpeople [DVD]

Director Taika Waititi’s offbeat outback adventure movie successfully achieves the difficult balance of combining drama and farce, pathos and comedy in his quirky 2016 film set in New Zealand. This is due mainly to the brilliantly fractious odd-couple performance of its two lead actors. Julian Dennison is a revelation as Ricky Baker, a teenage delinquent raised on hip-hop and rejection (but well versed in haiku and therapy) dumped by child welfare services at a remote farm, while Sam Neil is at his dour lugubrious best as his cantankerous foster uncle. When circumstances conspire to thrust both protagonists to depend on each other they unexpectedly find themselves on the run from the authorities, and despite the overall kooky tone of the movie there are some important observations made about respect, acceptance and loyalty but thankfully not in an overtly sentimental manner. The screenplay is peppered with sharp dialogue and movie references which, combined with stunning cinematography and a delightful musical score, makes this a marvelously entertaining movie to be watched more than once.

The cast is led by Sam Neill OBE, well known for parts in the Jurassic Park stories but has more in depth histor for creating some memorable roles. Hardly recognisable as grumpy Hec, a hill farmer landed with the loose cannon Ricky Baker. Ricky is given to Hec's wife Aunt Bella (deliciously portrayed by Rima Te Wiata) from child services with a history of being "difficult" to place with foster parents. You'll have see the rest for yourselves as to how the story unfolds, but the dire tin, scenery and other characters mean a fast paced wildly improbable yet truly believable story. So many excellent characters, not least Rachel House as Paula from child services. A menacing portrayal fit for a Bond villain. The whole show is won by Julian Dennison and his portrayal of Ricky. Comic timing is perfection. Go for it.

Superb comedy drama crafted from New Zealand's backwoods good keen man's book. Second and third viewings still produce surprises on short comments and camera angles to delight the viewer. Scenes well chosen from a number of New Zealand locations giving a luminous vision contrasting with some of the more gloomy New Zealand films in the last two decades. Expertly edited to keep the story moving at a attention grabbing pace, but still feeling like you have absorbed a whole life and experience. The transitions of the characters is endearing, heart-warming and real. Short appearance by Taika a real delight in itself. Many references to New Zealand culture and sub-cultures that give this film even more depth and satisfaction.

Taika Waititi’s finest work, ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’ is a brilliantly written, hilarious and in some places upsetting film. Sam Neil and Julian Dennison are exceptional and their supporting cast all hit the mark of Waititi’s comedy style seamlessly. The accompanying soundtrack is just the right tone to go with the rest of the heartwarming film, and the shots throughout are beautiful. Just amazing! A must watch!

This product is good. you can use it to watch a film or turn the disk over and use it as mirror or a frisbee. You can even use it as a pizza cutter or anything else that is round. I also like to look through the hole in the middle, it’s provides hours of fun . It’s like a Swiss army DVD. Amazing

For me this film was hindered somewhat by keeping the dialogue inoffensively within the constraints of a “12” rated film (if that was the director's intention), and whilst it is not a “children's/family” film per se it is not a film with realistic and (potentially) offensive language – it is in a neither one nor the other sort of situation. The film centres around “Ricky”. Where he has come from and what he has been through are not realistically portrayed in the film (those constraints again), but this is a drama comedy and so one has to accept perhaps a little poetic license. Having said that, it is the naive innocence of “Ricky” played by Julian Dennison who is in the care of “Hec” played by Sam Neill that leads to some of the comedy in the film. There is though, a lot going for this film, it has a great cast lead by Sam Neill, the acting from all the cast is good, great use of the New Zealand Bush as the backdrop for the film with some great cinematography in what can't have been the easiest situations to photograph, it has a good if somewhat unrealistic story, there are some very funny moments and there is some good music. There's also a number of cinematic references made within the film. I found “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” to be an enjoyable enough film but it is not one that I would go out of my way to watch again too quickly. It is perhaps worth mentioning that some might find certain scenes upsetting where animals are hunted. No doubt not a single animal was hurt in the making of the film – but if you are at all upset by such things then maybe you should not watch it. A light-hearted comedy adventure-drama, and a good feel-good-factor film. There are plenty of extra features on the DVD which are worth a look at. On the DVD (ASIN: B01MXLL1JG) you get: “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” (1 hour 37 minutes) Chapter Selection Special Features: Director's Commentary Featurette (3 minutes) Bloopers (2 minutes) Interviews (20 minutes) Behind the Scenes (30 minutes)

I am so pleased this film exists! Wonderful performances by absolutely everyone, cleverly written, quick witted, great story line, beautiful location and it's all wrapped up with heart warming moments making you more invested in the film and the characters. I also recommend reading the trivia for it on IMBD which gives more insight to this wonderful film. I have bought several copies to gift out because I love it so much! For me, it's a 10/10 film.

Ce film est un petit bijou. Il faut avoir un esprit ouvert pour l'apprécier à sa juste valeur. Par moment très drôle, d'autres moments sérieux et triste. Une étude parfaite d'un jeune adolescent confronté à de nombreux problèmes dans son enfance et qui retrouve la sérénité à la campagne avec des gens aimants. Je n'en dirai pas plus pour ne pas gâcher le film. Paysages magiques de la Nouvelle-Zélande. Il faut peut-être connaître un peu la culture maori pour bien comprendre les réactions de ce jeune. Je recommande ce film.

It was fantastic, the kids loved it.

Omg! This movie is amazing! Imagine a modern Wes Anderson that got lost in the forest of New-Zeland. It is a comedy, but it is not stupid. Great script, great story, amazing characters. The movie is on Netflix and I was sad because I wanted to watch it with my dad that only speak French. On this blu-ray there are French subtitles!

One of the best films I've seen lately - full of humour and it highlights some of the absurdities of modern life. It bring together young and old in a wonderful adventure. And the NZ scenery is fantastic. Highly recommended, as long as some "bad language" doesn't offend and you can deal with obviously fake wild pigs...

I love this movie. It's funny and heartfelt, and my kids love it too.