Sam Neil was a well-loved actor, and news of his passing recently was a very sad day.
We go back to 2016 for this gem from New Zealand, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, about a young boy, Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison), abandoned by his mother and going from one foster parent to another.
He gets taken to a couple who live in the wilderness of New Zealand, Bella and Hec (Sam Neil) and at first clashes with them but soon finds the kindness given to him, especially by the mother, comforting.
Sadly, Bella dies suddenly, and through a series of events, both Ricky and Hec find themselves in the middle of the bush with everyone thinking the young man was kidnapped.
Things escalate and get out of hand while the two, man and boy, slowly get to like and trust each other until the end when they have to go back to civilisation and face the consequences of their actions.
Director Taika Waititi balances the drama and comedy very well; there are some genuinely funny moments and the pacing and length are just right to not overstay its welcome. The New Zealand countryside is beautifully shot, and you get the sense of wildness and hard living.
All of the performances are excellent, and the low budget gives the film much charm. A very simple tale told extremely well.
The new remastered 10th-anniversary 4K and Blu-ray from Visions Home Video is excellent—with bold colours, great depth, and solid black levels. Extras include a blooper reel, a cast get-together 10 years on and a making-of feature. Well worth your time.
8 OUT OF 10
