This film has a simple storyline which revolves around a family that likes to have fun. NZers (particularly Aucklanders) will understand some of the humour better, but it is genuinely funny for anyone. It embraces Westie (West Auckland) culture in all it's leather wearing, bike riding, booze and rock fuelled glory. The characters are great, they have strengths and weaknesses and they love to party. Not brilliant, but not bad. A very entertaining movie, 7/10.
4 Reviews
Ask yourself: "Do we really need this film's message?"
nz man31 December 2000
Our friends here in NZ recommended that we see this film. They said it was really funny. Blah.
The message is about low-life families who drink, smoke, create messes and hoon around everywhere. Oh sure, it is a 'take-off', a comedy showing the problems of such behaviour. The two other IMDB comments below are fine - I follow what is said below, and understand it. But just ask yourself if you really want to spend time looking at a bunch of hoons doing stupid things.
There IS talent in this film. The acting and script for example are good. I guess the producers figured a quality story (such as in The Piano) just would not sell. I do hope this does well at the box office, but then to me it would then not say much about us Kiwis and the standard of films made. I just wish that more money would have been spent on investing in a decent story rather than on smashing bottles and burning household items.
The message is about low-life families who drink, smoke, create messes and hoon around everywhere. Oh sure, it is a 'take-off', a comedy showing the problems of such behaviour. The two other IMDB comments below are fine - I follow what is said below, and understand it. But just ask yourself if you really want to spend time looking at a bunch of hoons doing stupid things.
There IS talent in this film. The acting and script for example are good. I guess the producers figured a quality story (such as in The Piano) just would not sell. I do hope this does well at the box office, but then to me it would then not say much about us Kiwis and the standard of films made. I just wish that more money would have been spent on investing in a decent story rather than on smashing bottles and burning household items.
Kiwi Movies Don't Get Much Better Than This!!
wonderwoman-56 December 2005
Warning: Spoilers
First of all big ups to the fine people who put together this little gem of kiwi cinema. This IS one of the best movies ever made by our fine country. The characters are all people we (as typical kiwis and maybe even a few aussies) can relate to. While it does have a few weak moments for the most part this film stands up. Elizabeth Hawthorne and Ian Mune are truly the glue that holds this little film together. Ms Hawthornes portrayal of Maisy is classic. First coming across as a drunken bitter old broad who seams to resent her family to revealing the real woman beneath as she falls for the owner of the holiday camp (Ian Mune) and never failing to have a drink or cigarette in hand (frequently both). Watch this movie. It's worth it.
High cringe factor, but funny and heartwarming
harbourboy10 November 1999
Savage Honeymoon is a well judged movie that pokes fun at certain aspects of New Zealand life, yet at the same time deals with some fundamental issues of family values.
The Savages are not a perfect family, but then again, what family is? They do plenty of things wrong, provide some hilarious moments, and show us a little about what holds a family together when the chips are down. Applause to the director and cast for maintaining a good balance and not going overboard on the laughs, the violence, or the mushy stuff.
I enjoyed this movie, but only hope that people don't come away thinking all NZ families are like this.
The Savages are not a perfect family, but then again, what family is? They do plenty of things wrong, provide some hilarious moments, and show us a little about what holds a family together when the chips are down. Applause to the director and cast for maintaining a good balance and not going overboard on the laughs, the violence, or the mushy stuff.
I enjoyed this movie, but only hope that people don't come away thinking all NZ families are like this.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
