Lifting the lid on another world; a gentler, kinder, calmer, slower, less consuming world which a number of us caught in our own wee rutted worlds love to hear about. Documentary mode worked well - the focus on "the man of the house" was evident but fantastically accompanied, and clearly made possible by, his stoic wife and his delightfully ALIVE kids. Most poetic part of the film is the metaphor-making moment when the son falls from a horse (which looks massive compared to the wee fella!). He stamps his feet in anger/frustration in the sand.... and then climbs back on the horse (helped by his Dad). Classic. A gentler, simpler time for us all to be reminded of. Happiness doesn't live in long-life cartons down aisle 4 of the supermarket; nor does it come with a 3 pin plug and only in need of 240volts!! My wife loved the horse/rider scenes in the water and the swimming/jumping off rocks with the kids - I thought the naked scenes were a tad gratuitous/sensational (perhaps some jealousy on my part I am prepared to admit !) I don't doubt it was absolutely natural, but it came across to me as a tad intrusive in that case. All up, a great reminder for us all of to take stock, consider our needs versus our manufactured/manipulated demands. A man who didn't even consider being afraid to share the simple truths of his feelings. Nice one.
29 Reviews
Compelling, beautiful, leaves questions.....
damen-hansen15 December 2010
This film is absolutely gorgeous in cinematography, scenery , direction and general "feel". The way it is shot leads the viewer to believe they are in residing some remote wilderness. They are actually in a little town just out of Hastings. The scenery shifts as they move from the Ruahine's to Waimarama beach and other locations with breathtaking views. The story is decorated with enviable horsemanship, beguiling time shifts, personal reflections and charming monologues. Peter Karena's personality draws the viewer in and we believe his plight because we want to. There are open questions left unanswered and thought provoking family dynamics that make you wonder what the story behind the story is. It is a simple, beautiful, illustration of real people at it's finest. You will love this.
A Trojan Horse of Blessings
DeepCinema27 December 2010
The iconic image of a ruggedly handsome man atop an equally impressive steed ~ rearing up between dappled grassland and dazzling sky, mane and tail lashing in all directions ~ tells us some essentials about THIS WAY OF LIFE, the sterling documentary it advertises.
It tells us, in a glance, that the man in question is capable and seasoned, outdoorsy and independent, the sort of man who can probably fish and hunt, read the land and weather, wrangle wild horses and build their corrals ~ living as best he can outside any deadening constraints of Western civilization. And all of this proves to be true.
What this image doesn't disclose is that what we actually have here is an inverted and updated Trojan Horse, in the best possible sense of the term. Instead of being the predictable tale of a Lone Ranger, THIS WAY OF LIFE reveals that the rider, Peter Karena of Aoetoara/New Zealand, is a man for whom marriage and family are of paramount value. The question this story poses is ~ can he secure his beautiful, growing, and beloved brood a home, with his integrity intact? Opposition to this dream resides closer than even the usual social, political and economic demands that erode the likelihood of obtaining freedom in this day and age. For Peter is the chosen enemy of a stepfather who still operates out of the worst possible facets of the old Patriarchal paradigm: the will to be divisive, destructive and, above all, domineering.
Ultimately this apparently modest slice of life, via deft story-telling, provides an arc of development which applies not only to one family in the back of beyond, but engages entire cultural gears: our shared longing to deconstruct an old model which is abusive of far too many and to supplant it with one of our own making. As our rigged economic system and oppression by corporatocracy collapses, THIS WAY OF LIFE becomes an option that feels vital and venerable rather than quaint or exotic.
I want to wrap up this review with highest praise: by the time the credits rolled, I was left feeling, in a quiet yet indelible way, that these beautiful people are necessary to our way of life, as they display our participation in nature, and demonstrate that the personal is universal. May their message radiate worldwide.
It tells us, in a glance, that the man in question is capable and seasoned, outdoorsy and independent, the sort of man who can probably fish and hunt, read the land and weather, wrangle wild horses and build their corrals ~ living as best he can outside any deadening constraints of Western civilization. And all of this proves to be true.
What this image doesn't disclose is that what we actually have here is an inverted and updated Trojan Horse, in the best possible sense of the term. Instead of being the predictable tale of a Lone Ranger, THIS WAY OF LIFE reveals that the rider, Peter Karena of Aoetoara/New Zealand, is a man for whom marriage and family are of paramount value. The question this story poses is ~ can he secure his beautiful, growing, and beloved brood a home, with his integrity intact? Opposition to this dream resides closer than even the usual social, political and economic demands that erode the likelihood of obtaining freedom in this day and age. For Peter is the chosen enemy of a stepfather who still operates out of the worst possible facets of the old Patriarchal paradigm: the will to be divisive, destructive and, above all, domineering.
Ultimately this apparently modest slice of life, via deft story-telling, provides an arc of development which applies not only to one family in the back of beyond, but engages entire cultural gears: our shared longing to deconstruct an old model which is abusive of far too many and to supplant it with one of our own making. As our rigged economic system and oppression by corporatocracy collapses, THIS WAY OF LIFE becomes an option that feels vital and venerable rather than quaint or exotic.
I want to wrap up this review with highest praise: by the time the credits rolled, I was left feeling, in a quiet yet indelible way, that these beautiful people are necessary to our way of life, as they display our participation in nature, and demonstrate that the personal is universal. May their message radiate worldwide.
Best New Zealand Documentary
MckenzieDeborahNZ15 December 2010
Watching this was like being there. The method used to film and document the life of the Karena family was perfect for enabling viewers to truly connect on a personal level with the entire family, circumstances and location. As the story progressed I became emotionally bonded with Peter and Collen and their children, in such a way, I wanted to meet them, support them, praise them for being who they are and for fighting for their way of life. When the film ended, it didn't end for me... I cried the whole way home, and since ... the lives of the Karena family have stayed with me. No other documentary or film has ever had this kind of impact on me. I commend all those involved with the making of "This Way of Life".
One of the most poignant documentaries I've seen
joncathb14 December 2010
Our family just finished watching This Way of Life on Knowledge Network, and all I can say is not a word was spoken through the whole program. I was amazed at this family's strength, love and grace. I must admit I had tears streaming down my face many times, my husband wiped at his eyes a few times as well. What struck me so hard was Peter at times almost speaking lovingly of this man who was never a father to him. How horrible for the father to live with such anger, hate and resentment. It also made me wonder where his mother was through all this. Colleen was beautiful, caring and sensitive and a wonderful mother. Thank you for bringing this to us. It's a film our family will never forget.
Humbling story
maramamauga2 December 2010
One of the best movies I have ever seen. To see all those beautiful horses and Mr Karena galloping along the beach gave me the wanting of returning home. Having such a large family providing them with the necessities of life and teaching the children how to live off what God had provided in the beginning. It astounded me how the children made do with what they have, you don't need the flash cars or houses to live a fulfilling life the basic necessities are all that matters and yet to see them tormented by the ones they love, it broke me to tears but no matter what was thrown at them, they still forgave them. What a silly man his dad is, I do hope he watches this and then he'll see how much his son still loves him no matter what. I loved watching the horses and how he started to build his little tourism business in the bushes. Seeing how they became homeless and now into a home of their own was priceless. The whole movie gave a powerful message and left me with an attitude to look at myself and the way I perceive my life. What a humble family who has a Christ like attitude towards life. Thank you. very moving indeed.
The struggles of a young New Zealand 'offgrid' Family, who live with and love Horses
steve-aikenhead14 December 2010
This film is beautifully shot and edited. One very quickly falls into the story , into the landscape of this powerful and idealistic narrative .If you like Horses and seeing the joy of children learning to ride and find their freedom, if you like the idea of living close to nature with honesty and passion and gentleness. If you like thoughtful cinematography and intimate stories well revealed, then This way of Life will satisfy you and open your heart, The screening I attended was to a full house which erupted in a well deserved standing ovation at the Hot Docs festival in Toronto, Inspiring, compassionate, engrossing, uplifting! A must see!!
Timely
contoocook20 December 2010
This Way of Life is an unlikely fairy tale, replete with bucolic settings, physical prowess in the face of nature's power and a battle against a domineering stepfather. A cynic could say that it rehashes the oft-sketched theme of back-to-the-earth survivalism, or that it offers the consequences of poor planning. Upon quiet reflection, however, it becomes clear that the film evokes the better angels of our nature. It gives us a family dedicated to shedding the impulses of materialism. It reminds one of what is solid in this world: commitment to a partner, integrity in daily decisions, and creating a landscape of emotional beauty within which children can grow. The Burstyns have created an especially prescient documentary for individuals across the globe to have the good fortune of viewing.
Lacked depth
trailofants8 July 2011
I've waited a while to see This Way of Life, I'd lived in NZ for a while, before returning to the UK. It most definitely transported me back to a place so often idolised for its dynamic landscapes and quirky folk. I even met Barbara Sumner-Burstyn at The Film Archive in Wellington when she hosted a Writer's Room.
But, for me, this documentary felt like the eternal trailer. It lacked pace, or movement, and I felt it was very one-sided. The cinematography was indubitably beautiful; the characters were unforgivingly lovable; and the setting predictably enchanting.
The story was one infused with tragedy, resilience and overbearing pride; but spliced with stubborn bitterness and noble horses.
As a film, I felt, it lacked impact, structure and punch, so I awarded it a well-rounded six.
But, for me, this documentary felt like the eternal trailer. It lacked pace, or movement, and I felt it was very one-sided. The cinematography was indubitably beautiful; the characters were unforgivingly lovable; and the setting predictably enchanting.
The story was one infused with tragedy, resilience and overbearing pride; but spliced with stubborn bitterness and noble horses.
As a film, I felt, it lacked impact, structure and punch, so I awarded it a well-rounded six.
A story that will change the way you look at your life
cdmark-912-1431752 December 2010
An excellent documentary that tells the tale of a family who are so beautifully simple in the way that they live their life, they are so into their family and the horses. From a parental point of view, the kids where so innocent and happy and played just how they should play, a mad crazy house full to the brim with love. It certainly changed the way I look at my children,and my family It makes you appreciate what you have, and makes you make the time.The way that this documentary was filmed was superb,the filmmaker wasn't in their face, but seemed to flow seamlessly within the family.The Karena children are at one with the horses, they seem to be a part of them. The phrase that really stuck for me was "what do I do for a living?" "I live for a living" a fantastic philosophy. Loved it, Thank you so much.
Work versus Play
siobhanwootten18 December 2010
Play, according to Georges Bataille, is only ever to be considered in its relationship to work: "The principle of work, anguish paralysing the naive movement of play, is now the sovereign principle." Through a fear of failing, hunger and poverty, and ultimately of death, mankind are encouraged to dismiss the joy of the moment, of human becoming, and instead to work, pushing joy further and further into the future. The endeavours of work are of value to the collective, where "everything that is useless is to be condemned; play, through its useless essence, must be reduced to a minor function of relaxation
The useful alone is sovereign, and play is tolerated only if it serves."
Art and sport, then, are valuable to society when they serve as commodities, or, in a lesser way in the form of hobbies as relaxation. There is a lack of celebration of, and advocacy for, play (or work for that matter) which instead is intuitive and chaotic, and serves only the individual – or at least, which does not serve the collective. This creates a dichotomy where the play of sport, art and personal freedom are in opposition to the constraints of work and administered institutionalised versions of play. Bataille writes, "These minor games, like golf and guided tourist packages, feeble literature and lifeless philosophies, amount to an immense abdication, reflecting a sad humanity which prefers work to death." (Unfortunately while he airs his obvious distaste for golf, Bataille does not detail sports which he might consider as more virtuous.)
A powerful example of a family's refusal to abdicate from their own lives is illustrated in Tom Burstyn and Barbara Sumner Burstyn's documentary, "This Way of Life." The film traces the story of Peter and Colleen Karena, and their struggles to raise and provide for their six children without compromising their spirituality or values. A skilled horseman, Peter trains and sells horses, and hand sources meat by hunting deer. Feeding his family requires not only great physical strength and patience, but also skill in attempting to kill the animal cleanly out of respect for its sacrifice. "I love to hunt," Peter states in the film, "because it does something in me. It makes me feel pure, to go out there and to work. Now I could spend a day at the freezing works killing cattle and working. Not working really hard, not working myself into a sweat. And earn enough that day to maybe buy half a side of venison, half a deer. And there's no satisfaction in it."
This is a contemporary interpretation of Bataille's idea that "to work is to confess that servitude, subordination and pain are preferable to death." Peter's work serves himself and his family, not the collective, and he is not subordinate to a master. This refusal to renounce personal freedom is holistically demonstrated in the Karena's lifestyle and approach to parenting, such as when their children ride horses bareback, with only a rope rein and without helmets. The meaning of Peter's work is inherent in the hunt, the satisfaction he receives from it is immediate and ongoing, and is not abstracted. "I'm not worried about being a great hunter, and mounting heads and putting them up on my wall, all that sort of thing. 'Cos that's not why I do it. I put meat on my table and that's what I want. I don't want to be known as the great hunter. But it makes me feel great, to provide food."
Animal predators are differentiated from human hunters by Bataille, for whom the "interested activity of the animal is so contrary to that of mankind that the latter generally considers the acts of the hunt or fishing to be play." Indeed the word 'game' has become synonymous with the flesh of an animal or bird itself – that is, when the purpose of the hunt is food. For those who might have thought that the sport of trophy hunting ended with the protection of ivory, safaris are alive and well in New Zealand. The multimillion dollar industry is second only to that of South Africa. Central Otago safaris can range from $NZ500 - $3000 a day, attracting trophy fees from $NZ750-$30,000 per head. The development from stalking to helicopter charter allows hunters of all ranges of fitness to participate, as they most certainly do not carry their prizes out themselves. This removes much of the athleticism of the work which Peter describes: "I'll be working hard and I'll be sweating. I might shoot a deer down in some gully, and got to carry it up. And there are times when I'll be sitting there thinking 'I don't know if I can go any further with this thing on my back.' It's a lot more work, but it makes me feel good and makes me feel healthy."
It is not only Peter's own fitness which is so important to providing for his family, but also his reliance on his horses. The presence of this film in our collective unconscious coincides with the release of two books which also discuss themes of human relationships with horses. Nicholas Evans' "The Brave" sketches a boy who daydreams of Hollywood Cowboy heroes, and his adult realisation of the colonial myth making behind them. And Jean Auel's sixth book in her Earth's Children series is due for release in March 2011. Her second book in the series, "The Valley of Horses" details a young cave woman's burgeoning independence and self sufficiency that is contingent in its success upon her close bond with her horse. The writer's protagonists (Evans' flawed Tom, and Auel's courageous Ayla) are characters we can both identify with, and be proud of, as we follow them through their transformations.
So too do we follow Peter and Colleen, literally, as we are hard pressed not to reflect on our own priorities, philosophies and levels of self-sufficiency while watching "This Way of Life."
Art and sport, then, are valuable to society when they serve as commodities, or, in a lesser way in the form of hobbies as relaxation. There is a lack of celebration of, and advocacy for, play (or work for that matter) which instead is intuitive and chaotic, and serves only the individual – or at least, which does not serve the collective. This creates a dichotomy where the play of sport, art and personal freedom are in opposition to the constraints of work and administered institutionalised versions of play. Bataille writes, "These minor games, like golf and guided tourist packages, feeble literature and lifeless philosophies, amount to an immense abdication, reflecting a sad humanity which prefers work to death." (Unfortunately while he airs his obvious distaste for golf, Bataille does not detail sports which he might consider as more virtuous.)
A powerful example of a family's refusal to abdicate from their own lives is illustrated in Tom Burstyn and Barbara Sumner Burstyn's documentary, "This Way of Life." The film traces the story of Peter and Colleen Karena, and their struggles to raise and provide for their six children without compromising their spirituality or values. A skilled horseman, Peter trains and sells horses, and hand sources meat by hunting deer. Feeding his family requires not only great physical strength and patience, but also skill in attempting to kill the animal cleanly out of respect for its sacrifice. "I love to hunt," Peter states in the film, "because it does something in me. It makes me feel pure, to go out there and to work. Now I could spend a day at the freezing works killing cattle and working. Not working really hard, not working myself into a sweat. And earn enough that day to maybe buy half a side of venison, half a deer. And there's no satisfaction in it."
This is a contemporary interpretation of Bataille's idea that "to work is to confess that servitude, subordination and pain are preferable to death." Peter's work serves himself and his family, not the collective, and he is not subordinate to a master. This refusal to renounce personal freedom is holistically demonstrated in the Karena's lifestyle and approach to parenting, such as when their children ride horses bareback, with only a rope rein and without helmets. The meaning of Peter's work is inherent in the hunt, the satisfaction he receives from it is immediate and ongoing, and is not abstracted. "I'm not worried about being a great hunter, and mounting heads and putting them up on my wall, all that sort of thing. 'Cos that's not why I do it. I put meat on my table and that's what I want. I don't want to be known as the great hunter. But it makes me feel great, to provide food."
Animal predators are differentiated from human hunters by Bataille, for whom the "interested activity of the animal is so contrary to that of mankind that the latter generally considers the acts of the hunt or fishing to be play." Indeed the word 'game' has become synonymous with the flesh of an animal or bird itself – that is, when the purpose of the hunt is food. For those who might have thought that the sport of trophy hunting ended with the protection of ivory, safaris are alive and well in New Zealand. The multimillion dollar industry is second only to that of South Africa. Central Otago safaris can range from $NZ500 - $3000 a day, attracting trophy fees from $NZ750-$30,000 per head. The development from stalking to helicopter charter allows hunters of all ranges of fitness to participate, as they most certainly do not carry their prizes out themselves. This removes much of the athleticism of the work which Peter describes: "I'll be working hard and I'll be sweating. I might shoot a deer down in some gully, and got to carry it up. And there are times when I'll be sitting there thinking 'I don't know if I can go any further with this thing on my back.' It's a lot more work, but it makes me feel good and makes me feel healthy."
It is not only Peter's own fitness which is so important to providing for his family, but also his reliance on his horses. The presence of this film in our collective unconscious coincides with the release of two books which also discuss themes of human relationships with horses. Nicholas Evans' "The Brave" sketches a boy who daydreams of Hollywood Cowboy heroes, and his adult realisation of the colonial myth making behind them. And Jean Auel's sixth book in her Earth's Children series is due for release in March 2011. Her second book in the series, "The Valley of Horses" details a young cave woman's burgeoning independence and self sufficiency that is contingent in its success upon her close bond with her horse. The writer's protagonists (Evans' flawed Tom, and Auel's courageous Ayla) are characters we can both identify with, and be proud of, as we follow them through their transformations.
So too do we follow Peter and Colleen, literally, as we are hard pressed not to reflect on our own priorities, philosophies and levels of self-sufficiency while watching "This Way of Life."
Has to be seen to be believed
yo_wattsup17 December 2010
This small, unexpected New Zealand film is simply mesmerizing and an unconditional must-see. No, really. This Way of Life is a documentary tracking the Karena family through a story that is so remarkable, you couldn't make it up. Two parents and six children live happily in relative poverty, making ends meet by working on the land, farming pigs and riding wild horses, and living a truly wholesome "good" life. Their life is simple, and beautiful for it. But as with real life, there is drama along the way, and some of it must have seemed a Godsend to the film-makers, who can't possibly have anticipated what transpired. The interviews are heartfelt and touching, and you cannot help but leave the cinema with a new perspective on life. Highly recommended.
simply amazing
happy-hippy16 December 2010
Simply the best movie with the best message i've ever seen!
the family is beautiful, The filming is spectacular. Everything is real and it teaches you to be a better person. It helps you to appreciate the simple things in life. It shows how there's no better way to live than naturally.
All of the characters are as amazing as they are because they're not afraid to open their hearts.
Seeing the children grow up and learn from their parents is inspiring to make you be a good parent too. There seems to be no hate in their hearts, only forgiveness and love.
the family is beautiful, The filming is spectacular. Everything is real and it teaches you to be a better person. It helps you to appreciate the simple things in life. It shows how there's no better way to live than naturally.
All of the characters are as amazing as they are because they're not afraid to open their hearts.
Seeing the children grow up and learn from their parents is inspiring to make you be a good parent too. There seems to be no hate in their hearts, only forgiveness and love.
reflective and absorbing
murphhe17 December 2010
How life can be led if you don't conform to todays norms, and instead embrace a way of life far closer to the real world.
Peter and Colleens loving and wise relationship with their children (and many horses), is counterpoised with the very difficult relationship Peter has with his father. They survive distressing trials and tribulations, stay true to their philosophy and raise an amazingly confident, fluent and self reliant tribe of children.
Its a visually beautiful and thought provoking film on a number of levels - could I be brave enough to live like that, and when the real world inevitably catches up with the Karena children what will happen then?
Peter and Colleens loving and wise relationship with their children (and many horses), is counterpoised with the very difficult relationship Peter has with his father. They survive distressing trials and tribulations, stay true to their philosophy and raise an amazingly confident, fluent and self reliant tribe of children.
Its a visually beautiful and thought provoking film on a number of levels - could I be brave enough to live like that, and when the real world inevitably catches up with the Karena children what will happen then?
I am so in love with this film
film197519 December 2010
One of the best documentaries ever made. You cannot help but fall in love with this family, and not for one second do you ever feel "sorry" for them... even in their hardest times. in fact, you find yourself envying their "way of life" and wanting to somehow be a part of it. Everyone can learn from this film - it's truly humbling. Some of the scenes are so gorgeously candid and heartfelt, you feel like you're in New Zealand with them. Peter is a role model for all men across the world. I am so incredibly happy I stumbled across this doc @ an IDA screening in Hollywood. I was one of 3 people in the theater and it's a shame. Spread the word! "This Way of Life" is 2011 Oscar MATERIAL!!!!! I would be sorely disappointed if it does not get a nomination at the very least.
people caught in the rat race need to watch but probably wont
vixinoz2 December 2010
I thought this film was entertaining from start to finish, the family in this doco were each and everyone intriguing, beguiling and unaffected by the rat race. Having had some of the same experiences as a child as the children in this film, I totally relate to galloping about on one of our beautiful noble horses without a care in the world. Watching my dad train wild horses and catch and kill animals for our dinner was also something I can relate to but what was new to me was the incredible lengths this family would go to to keep living this life out of the rat race - and then when their home is burnt down in a malicious attack they experience homelessness, unemployment all the while expecting a new baby. It is amazing how you couldn't make this stuff up, its reality at its best and worst. This film shows no matter how the world falls down around you, having a healthy respect and reverence for nature gives you and your children a better chance to survive and evolve into healthier,wiser, clever-er and fun -er people.
Inspiring clips captured & put together perfectly at the right time!
bradlaw246414 December 2010
This Doco changed my life without doubt. To see how families should truly live in our world and how much peace is pushed towards our kids is just inspiring! The way its placed together to make you laugh, cry and become angry is perfect and to end it with such a perfect beginning for the whole family! The two main things though that stand out for me in this Doco that helps back my 10/10 rating is firstly the quote! My favorite quotes are from people like Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, Winstin Churchill but now another one has crept in, "What i do for a living? I live for a living!" said by the Father in this Doco. The second is an example of the real reason i moved to this stunning country, the families and the Maori culture that in some ways keeps the real meaning of Autoroa together! This way of life, a perfect afternoon Doco!
A tale of family and living each day
kevin-l-mcmahon1 December 2010
Integrity, honesty and commitment to yourself - that makes a powerful story line when you add in the typical bullshit we deal with in living as part of a society. The Karena family shows us that so much of what we strive for and worry about are nonsense. The entrapments of nice houses (that the bank owns) and fancy cars (that the bank owns) put our integrity at risk. Worse, we just put up with this lifestyle because it's what everyone else does. If there is one thing this movie has done for me is to create a discussion with my kids about what's important and what's not. The movie is real and puts it square in your face for you to decide what's important and maybe you couldn't endure the hardship - fair enough - Peter Karena is a true bad ass but he shows restraint and respect. Great lessons to be learned from this movie and one which I will watch often. Thanks!
A story for our times
mike-561414 December 2010
This is a film which bursts the boundaries of documentary through its superb storytelling and engagement. It is a journey into beauty and magic, yet suffused with a bass note of tragedy. For anyone living in the West, the fundamental values on which we base our lives are challenged. I have watched this film over and over, and never cease to moved by it. There is a deceptive simplicity to its subject matter - a mother, a father, their beautiful children, and the vortex of extended family just out of frame. But the camera work and the entire philosophy of filmmaking employed here is compelling. We are drawn into the world of the Karenas, and it makes us realize that there are many more ways of tackling life than the conventional. We are drawn into the beauty of the landscape, only to be surprised by the beauty of the souls being revealed. If ever there was a film that deserved to win an Oscar, this is it. It has come to the world's attention at exactly the right time. Do not miss seeing it.
Brilliantly Simple - "This way of life"
rozy_cakes18 December 2010
Thoroughly enjoyed the rawness of this film. Brilliant scenery, brilliant characters, brilliant direction and the most brilliant example of honorable parents in todays less than brilliant world. What more can we hope for than to have our children; the future of this world, be reared with such integrity, fierce strength of willpower, humility and kind love. If we all could instill in our children, but a portion of likewise admirable qualities then the future generations will no doubt be equipped to survive, thrive and conquer whatever the future of this globe has to throw at them. Reverting back to the way of our forefathers is indeed improbable to most, yet done so graciously and humbly by the Karena family. Emotionally moving. A true installation of hope and courage. Blessed be those who strive for that which is right and true. The reward may be long awaited, but will be GREAT - as is this must see film doc. The world is a better place for the creation of 'This Way of Life.' One can't help but leave the film hoping that one day Peter's father will watch this film and realise the error of his ways...
Oscar quality
hudsonwa23 December 2010
In a rare bit of luck, I met the filmmakers in Berlin while covering Forum. Their film was in another section, Generation, so I asked for a DVD. One of the smartest things I did during the festival.
The story of Peter and Colleen Karena (Ngati Maniapoto), their six children and fifty horses.
I later got to see this beautiful film on a big screen at IFC Center in New York. Some of the compositions are destined to become classics for film students in the new century. Children riding across a hill, a glistening body of water. Oscar quality.
I can't improve on the Berlinale essay:
"Some people may think that the Karenas live a life of poverty. But this isn't true. THIS WAY OF LIFE is a film about freedom."
The story of Peter and Colleen Karena (Ngati Maniapoto), their six children and fifty horses.
I later got to see this beautiful film on a big screen at IFC Center in New York. Some of the compositions are destined to become classics for film students in the new century. Children riding across a hill, a glistening body of water. Oscar quality.
I can't improve on the Berlinale essay:
"Some people may think that the Karenas live a life of poverty. But this isn't true. THIS WAY OF LIFE is a film about freedom."
Best Documentary of the Year. Hands down.
OnewithTheClaws21 December 2010
This is the most beautiful documentary I have watched this year, or indeed ever watched. It shows the true love that holds together an extraordinary family. The Karenas show that money doesn't equal happiness, that through adversity you can gain strength, and that even in the face of that adversity, with love and compassion, you can pull through. I think that Peter, speaking very candidly about his life, his perspective on existence (such as the concept of land ownership), and about what his family means to him is a wonderful example of what it means to be a real man in this country. He's obviously a hard man, but shows he has wisdom, restraint and compassion, and above all a reverence for the world. I have, since first seeing this documentary bought a copy for my own viewing, and have recommended it highly to everyone.
This is how life was meant to be!
steventhibault-112 January 2011
Warning: Spoilers
As portrayed in this visually stunning documentary, Peter (possibly unknowingly) represents that ability to focus on the important: family responsibility & bonds, shelter over their heads, food on the table, and the spirit of someone that embraces the circle of life. He is very primal in so many ways that he reminds me of what we used to be before we "made our lives easier" via technology and "advancements".
Maybe Peter's approach to life should be used as a guideline to bring us back to the old ways, with a heavy dose of experience to even it out...
Why can't we let life be simple yet elegant, trying yet fruitful, and beautiful yet tragic...
We should all work on being true and authentic to that simplicity.
Maybe Peter's approach to life should be used as a guideline to bring us back to the old ways, with a heavy dose of experience to even it out...
Why can't we let life be simple yet elegant, trying yet fruitful, and beautiful yet tragic...
We should all work on being true and authentic to that simplicity.
This film will change your life
bonniesumner15 December 2010
An inspiring film about a way of life we should all strive to achieve - one that finds meaning not in money and useless things but love, philosophy, family, passion and spontaneity. I for one was changed irrevocably by this film. It made me reconsider what I hold dear and question what was really important to me. Turns out the career rat race that left me feeling empty and anxious wasn't where I would find happiness but instead living life on my own terms. As Peter Karena, the father in the doco, says: "What do I do for a living? I live for a living." Now I can proudly say I do too. Everyone with that seed of wonder, doubt or curiosity itching in their souls should see this beautiful film.
An excellent documentary.
jlandreasen21 December 2010
As a youth reading spaghetti westerns and every louis lamour novel, it was easy to dream of and romanticize what it would be like to live the life of a real cowboy. To actually live them is much harder. This way of life offers an inciteful view into one families way of life. The trials and joys that come from riding and working. The freedom of a child loping across the plains with the wind blowing in his hair. The sacrifices that come from such a lifestyle and everything in between. Rarely has such a film caused such personal reflection and a desire to revert back to my childhood and my days on the ranch in Wyoming. Growing up in the US and spending several years in NZ, it's interesting to see the differences and similarities of the culture from the otherside of the world. While 'This Way of Life' presents a beautiful way of life, it is not without its difficulties and they are fairly represented in the film. Their way of life is great, but its never represented as the right way of life. Definitely an enjoyable film and one that your guaranteed to reflect back on after you leave it.
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