Rain of the Children - 2008
Forward Films Ltd. - 97 min.
DVD UPC - 9312590150722
Cast: Miriama Rangi, Rena Owen, Temuera Morrison, Taungaroa Emile, Waihoroi Shortland, Toby Morehu, Mahue Tawa, Mikaira Tawhara, Harmony Wihapi. Writer: Vincent Ward; Cinematographers: Leon Narbey, Adam Clark; Composers: John Gibson, Jack Body; Editor: Chris Plummer; Production Designer: Shayne Radford; Visual Effects: George Port; Producers: Vincent Ward, Marg Slater, Tainui Stephens;
Director: Vincent Ward
In 1978, Vincent Ward made the documentary 'In Spring One Plants Alone' about Puhi, an 80 year old Tuhoe Maori woman's day-to-day life in the remote Urewera, caring for her schizophrenic adult son Niki. This docu-drama sets out to unravel the real mystery of Puhi, a woman of extraordinary fortitude who, at the age of 12, was chosen by the Tuhoe prophet Rua Kenana to marry his son, Whatu. At 14, she had her first of 14 children while hiding in the bush, having escaped from the 1916 police raid on Rua's community at Maungapohatu. After a tumultuous second marriage and the manslaughter of her third husband, Puhi was left with her dependant son, Niki, to whom she dedicated herself, trying to protect him at all costs. An unique film that reveals a life we would not otherwise have an opportunity to see. Highly recommended.
Censor Rating: M - Review rating: B+
