I was listening to the England-New Zealand test match on the radio when the former New Zealand cricketer Jeremy Coney mentioned Bob Blair and the Tangiwai train crash. Looking it up on Wikipedia, I discovered that an NZ TV movie had been made of the story. Thanks to the internet I was able to order a copy from a New Zealand retailer. I had no great expectations of a TV movie from the land of sheep, although the efforts of Peter Jackson have obviously raised the profile of NZ film making. I was very pleasantly surprised. The movie is well made, well acted and with more than adequate special effects. Indeed it is surprising that this was not given a theatrical release, at least in it's own country. My only criticism would be the caption at the beginning, telling you what is going to happen, which is unnecessary and detracts from the dramatic impact. While it obviously takes some liberties with the facts it is nevertheless an involving and satisfying movie that deserves a wider audience.
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Ambak5 June 2013
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mscadden14 August 2011From start to end, this film was fantastic. The love story was told well, with suitable elements of humour. The beginning of the film was filled with dread, as the story's ending was inevitable - however this predictability was not a bad thing, and increased the power in the film. The acting was fantastic all round - Rose Mciver, Ryan O'Kane, Miranda Harcourt, Mick Rose and Taungaroa Emile all did a brilliant job of their roles. Music was done well, and the film had very high production values. The crash itself was incredible, and in itself brought me to tears. They got their facts practically perfect, and the scenes of Ellis and Awa rescuing the people in the 1st class carriage, and yet not including Nerissa was heart wrenching. The film did justice to Ellis's bravery. The carol being sung over the scenes of the Tangiwai were beautiful, and were very moving. The other notable part of the film was the Cricket Test, which, although a few creative liberties were taken, there was nothing unreasonable, and the Test was very uplifting for the viewer. I have three small complaints of the film. Firstly, the interludes by Mt Ruapehu with the Maori. These were done well, and I understand what they were trying to do, but at the beginning these scenes didn't quite work. In the end however they managed to pull it off, so this was fine. Secondly, the song at the end of the film had the potential to spoil the whole film - I thought it was sung awfully, and intruded dreadfully into the emotional state the viewer was in. Thirdly, this film should have had more publicity than merely a TV show. It should be shown in film festivals, or in theatres as it being a fantastic film deserves as large an audience as it might possibly get.
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hitsmanu1 May 2016I have always wanted to see this ever since a friend told me all about this and when she saw it in 2012 or thereabouts. Because thanks to a Christmas present I was given aged five (My Book Of Disasters / Scholastic press) I was already well aware of the Tangiwai rail disaster and the 153 lives lost that night. So until last year I have been looking for this on DVD and Youtube and can only find trailers and a three minute clip from the film - nothing else.
I finally got to see this last year as my friend has this on DVD and my goodness was I blown away. Most of all of course by the crash. However there are strong performances throughout leading up to the moment when tragedy strikes and the post-accident cricket match really does come across as a 'Could I ever do that if ever required to' moment. That nearly had me in floods proving that real men do indeed watch stuff like this as well as the fact that real men are moved to tears and mustn't be ashamed of that fact. So all I can say to those around Europe and the UK where I am from is try and see this if you can. The journey to the Southern Hemisphere which may be required ... Will almost CERTAINLY be worth it! 9/10. Recommended to a friend? FOR SURE! -
I have just watched the DVD of this film, and I am sitting here completely blown away. My emotions have gone on a huge ride, sheer joy, crying my eyes out - it was truly amazing. I so want to buy this film and add it to my collection.
Lippy Pictures - you have done an amazing job. Well done! Together with Weta Pictures who did an amazing job with the miniature scenes, you have created a truly brilliant piece of New Zealand cinema.
All the actors were brilliant. Granted, this is a film, not a documentary. Some licence was taken. But they did a most sensitive job of portraying one real story that changed New Zealand and showed incredible valour on behalf of the main male character, a New Zealand cricketer who has to leave his fiancé behind.
All kiwis should see this film. I also think it's got incredible interest to people around the world. -
oneill-kelly214 August 2011Loved it. yay. Her hair styles were great and she looked beautiful BUT OMG so much smoking.
We know they smoked more back then, but really. And did those particular people smoke.
I have to admit I cried heaps and not just smoke in my eyes hahaha
Really upsetting from technical point was the fake lighting on Bob when he came out onto the pitch.
Another continuity problem was the maori guy in the temporary morgue. That wouldn't have happened?
I was happy to see the Maori point of view.
The catholics were a worry, weren't they? Not letting their daughter marry outside the church. But I guess the protestants were the same back then. So maybe it wasn't fair to the catholics