A fantastic movie is set in my beautiful country, New Zealand. I love it! The rural setting is idyllic and the wholesomeness of the children establishes well the blue-skied naivety of the 1950’s New Zealand society. The “Maori witch” Hira banished to the town periphery is portrayed well by Vicky Haughton. Hira’s unexpected friendship with the young pakeha Elizabeth is transformational; helping peel back the angry shroud Hira encased herself in and revealing a proud daughter of a chief murdered by the towns folk. A fact that Elizabeth discovers has shamefully been hidden from the children of the town. The compassion Elizabeth shows Hira reflects a pure heart and her love gives Hira hope. Their friendship ignites magic culminating in the surreal scene in which the Queen visits Hira’s dilapidated porch apologizing in person for what happened to her father and returning his prized taiaha (staff). This movie, although fiction gives us hope that wrecked relationships between people who have committed a wrong and the people who have suffered a loss of dignity because of it can be repaired and then transformed.

Awesome movie! My mom loved it! Has great meaning and is completely clean. Appropriate for any family movie night!