Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Summary: A rebellious foster child and his grumpy foster uncle become the target of a nationwide manhunt in the New Zealand wilderness.
Main Cast and Crew:
- Director: Taika Waititi
- Writer: Taika Waititi (screenplay), Barry Crump (novel)
- Key Actors: Sam Neill as Hec, Julian Dennison as Ricky Baker, Rima Te Wiata as Bella, Rachel House as Paula, Oscar Kightley as Andy
- Music Director: Lukasz Buda, Samuel Scott, Conrad Wedde
- Director of Photography: Lachlan Milne
- Producers: Carthew Neal, Leanne Saunders, Matt Noonan
Plot:
Ricky Baker, a rebellious and overweight 13-year-old foster child, is sent to live with Bella and Hec, a couple living on a remote farm in the New Zealand wilderness. Initially resistant to the idea of being part of a family, Ricky gradually forms a bond with Bella, who nurtures his love for haikus and teaches him about the beauty of nature. However, tragedy strikes when Bella passes away, leaving Ricky devastated.
When child services threatens to take Ricky away, he decides to run away into the bush, with Hec reluctantly following him. As they navigate the rugged terrain, a series of misunderstandings leads the authorities to believe that Hec has kidnapped Ricky. Soon, a nationwide manhunt ensues, with the media dubbing the duo as “Wilderpeople.”
As Ricky and Hec evade capture, they form an unlikely friendship and learn to rely on each other. They encounter various eccentric characters along the way, including a conspiracy theorist named Psycho Sam and a kind-hearted farmer named Kahu. Through their adventures, Ricky and Hec discover the true meaning of family and find solace in the untamed wilderness.
Themes and Motifs:
“Hunt for the Wilderpeople” explores themes of family, friendship, and the healing power of nature. The film highlights the importance of finding connection and support in unexpected places, as Ricky and Hec forge a bond despite their initial differences. The New Zealand wilderness serves as a metaphor for freedom and self-discovery, offering solace and a sense of belonging to the characters.
The movie also touches on the impact of loss and grief, as Ricky mourns the death of Bella while Hec grapples with his own past. Through their journey, they learn to confront their pain and find healing in the beauty of the natural world.
Reception and Legacy:
Upon its release, “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” received widespread critical acclaim for its heartwarming story, humor, and strong performances. It won several awards, including the Audience Award at the 2016 Edinburgh International Film Festival and the People’s Choice Award for Best Film at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival.
The film’s success further solidified Taika Waititi’s reputation as a talented filmmaker, paving the way for his subsequent projects such as “Thor: Ragnarok” and “Jojo Rabbit.” “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” has also gained a dedicated fanbase and continues to be celebrated for its unique blend of comedy and drama.
Recommendation:
“Hunt for the Wilderpeople” is a delightful and heartwarming adventure that will leave you with a smile on your face. With its endearing characters, beautiful cinematography, and a perfect balance of humor and emotion, the film is a must-watch for fans of Taika Waititi’s work and anyone seeking an uplifting and entertaining experience.
Memorable Quote:
Ricky Baker: “I didn’t choose the skux life, the skux life chose me.”
