Drama

We Were Dangerous

Fit Via Vi

Piki Films

The Forge

New Zealand

United States of America

English

Erana James

Nathalie Morris

Manaia Hall

Rima Te Wiata

Aaron Jackson

Molly Jarvis-Taylor

Tōmairangi Paterson-Waaka

Kylana Peauafi Symonds

Isayah Snow

Hillary Moulder

Max Charteris

Stephen Lovatt

Stephen Tamarapa

Roy Snow

Charze Wharemate-Edwards

Billie Nuku

Portia Regan

Arihia Hoani

Rosie Leishman

Malena Taurima

Geoffrey Heath

Rhylee Adams

Genevieve Kent

Luanne Gordon

Myfanwy Jones

Keala Tuki

Barry De Lore

Cian Parker

Manaia May

Jemima Pegg

Hine Ata Purdon

Hineātea Alexander

Ashley Pedersen

Mereana Waru

Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu

Maddie Dai

Taika Waititi

Bill Way

Elliott Whitton

Emily Gotto

Morgan Waru

Polly Fryer

Maria Ines Manchego

Hansjörg Weissbrich

Richard Shaw

Daisy Marcuzzi

Felix Cope

Cam Ballantyne

Carthew Neal

Brent Marchant

No matter what anyone might suggest to the contrary, generally speaking, girls will be girls, especially during those often-turbulent, rebellious adolescent years. What’s more, attempts at implementing “correction” are frequently frustrating and unsuccessful for those undertaking such efforts, an outcome that was usually just as true in the past as it is today. Such was the case in 1954 New Zealand, where a dozen social and sexual “deviants” were confined at the government-sponsored Te Motu School for Incorrigible and Delinquent Girls. The facility, located on a remote island that was once a leper colony and home to assorted misfits and undesirables, was established out of the alleged genuine concern of the state to help rehabilitate the behavior of young women gone astray with the aim of helping to transform them into proper ladies suitable for marriage and motherhood. This was accomplished by strictly following a three-step program of “Christianize, civilize and assimilate” (with particularly heavy emphasis on the first step). Narrated by the school’s stern, calculating, insincere head matron (Rima Te Wiata), the film chronicles the diverse life experiences and backgrounds of her girls, many of which are presented anecdotally and in flashbacks. Some of these incidents are wryly humorous (though quaintly archaic), while others are sad, tragic and profoundly unfair. As the story unfolds, however, matters take a more sinister and disturbing turn, one that prompts three of the island’s residents (Erana James, Manaia Hall, Nathalie Morris) to take cleverly clandestine yet courageously assertive steps to fight back to protect themselves and their peers from a potentially catastrophic and appalling fate. Writer-director Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu’s debut feature tells an engaging, economically paced coming of age tale (said to be inspired by actual events). The “life at a rigidly run girls’ reform school” narrative might be seen by some as rather episodic, formulaic and trite, but those shortcomings are handily overcome by elements that distinguish this offering from others of its kind, namely, its superb writing, excellent character development (especially among the residents and colorful supporting cast members), a well-balanced and deftly combined mix of comedy and drama, and gorgeous location cinematography. Then there are the outstanding performances of the ensemble, most notably James, Morris, Hall (who had no prior acting experience and auditioned for her role on a lark), and, most of all, Te Wiata, who delivers a truly award-worthy portrayal. What’s most impressive here, though, is the work of first-time feature filmmaker Stewart-Te Whiu, a promising new voice in the field whose initial release bodes well for a bright big screen future. Indeed, “We Were Dangerous” is one of those delightful arthouse gems that has largely flown under the radar but has quietly earned a well-deserved reputation as the inspiring work of a new talent who has managed to successfully knock it out of the park on her first try. Catch this one in limited theatrical release or online; otherwise, report to the matron immediately.

Official Trailer

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We Were Dangerous

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Cast

Erana James

Nathalie Morris

Manaia Hall

Rima Te Wiata

Aaron Jackson

Molly Jarvis-Taylor

Tōmairangi Paterson-Waaka

Kylana Peauafi Symonds

Isayah Snow

Hillary Moulder

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