Naming Number Two (2006) User Reviews

Suburban New Zealand life, Polynesian style

[peter-1061 · 8/10 · 17 January 2008]

A rough gem but a gem nonetheless. Slow going at first, as you wonder what it is with these people. Is there any hope? Has this extended family (apparently) totally lost their way in life? Then as you learn bits of the family history, the high walls and broken bridges separating the family start making sense, and you can see possibilities of reconciliation.

Ruby Dee plays (magnificently) the Polynesian matriarch, living in Mt. Roskill, Auckland NZ, for most her life, who knows what's wrong with her scattered cantankerous family and can see the one path that just might set things right -- a little "tough love", Polynesian style. Even though no one else can see the sense in it, they obediently carry out her demand for a family feast in the backyard, to happen that same evening, at which she will announce her successor. All must attend, even those who never come round.

Preparation for the improbable feast involves everyone, and in the process forces communication that's been avoided for years. But they pull it off, because after all, Mama may have lost her marbles but she is still the matriarch. The result is memorable, and validates her foresight.

The film is also, by the way, a great glimpse of suburban New Zealand life, Samoan (or Tongan, not sure) style. See it just for that, and enjoy the story too.

Great film, but spoilt

[torrance-8 · 8/10 · 19 March 2006]

This is a great film portraying human interaction and how families interact.

However, for a film that is supposed to portray a Fijian family, what a pity there was only one Fijian (the Priest) in the cast. The others were mainly a reasonably talented group of Maori and other South Pacific Island actors.

Why could the producers not have found Fijian actors to make the film more authentic?

That the film was produced more or less on our own doorstep (and we had not even heard of it before it was seen in "Shorts") and showed our own well-known and familiar locality added additional colour and interest to our viewing. But of course, a film is always "local" to those who live where it is filmed.

A Beautiful and Touching Picture

[charleswilliamsmith5 · 8/10 · 11 October 2014]

I've seen recent reviews of lacking a firm storyline - however I beg to differ. I really liked this film because it was so simplistic to understand, but yet portraying strong themes of a foreign/traditional family living in New Zealand. Additionally, the family as depicted in the film can be seen as being dysfunctional, this factor can reinforce our understanding of the film if one has been exposed to such kind of a family. Anyhow, I must praise the performances of the actors/actresses and in particular Ruby Dee - for instance, when I first viewed the film I though the Dee was a Fijian actress! It came to great shock when I discovered that she was in fact American! In conclusion, I would like to say that I very much enjoyed this little film, it is funny, touching and passionate. If anyone has the chance to watch this film, then DO IT! It isn't to be missed! Out

A beautiful, moving story of family, cultural tradition and respect.

[dmbhutch · 10/10 · 24 January 2006]

I had the opportunity to view this film at the Sundance Film Festival. It is a touching story of family ties, those that have been broken and attempts to bind them together again. This movie handles family conflict in an honest and realistic manner. Beyond the family struggles lies the tension of modern ways clashing with the strong cultural traditions of the South Pacific islanders. The film looks at how an indigenous group of people debate the mores of their ancestors. We are reminded that what binds us together is more than just rituals and customs. This film has a solid foundation in its direction. It reflects the quality of film making we are becoming accustomed to from New Zealand ala Whale Rider. The acting is from the heart, you will believe this ensemble is actually a family. It is beautifully shot and takes advantage of the characters' energy and emotion rather than relying on the natural beauty of the land. It is not to be missed.

Subtle and endearing

[notallowedtohug · 9/10 · 22 February 2006]

I went to school in Mt. Roskill, where the film is set; I drive through the suburb everyday to and from work; and my mother is from Polynesia. On several levels I could relate to this film and was proud to see Auckland, and it's Polynesian culture, represented in such an accurate and endearing way.

No. 2 centers around Nana Maria (a great performance by Ruby Dee), who wants her grandchildren to organize a feast for her at which she will name her heir, who will take over the house when she dies. Tense relationships both amongst and between generations are slowly and subtly introduced, and over the course of the day the family struggles to negotiate their Fijian culture within the New Zealand context.

The acting was superb (although notably, I think a minority of the actors were actually Fijian), the story subtle but beautiful, and Auckland was represented very accurately and stunningly. A feel-good film that makes you want to get in contact with your long lost cousins and reminisce about days gone by.

Great characters, great acting, and an enjoyable film.

No.2

[u2one · 2/10 · 4 June 2007]

This is quite possibly the worst NZ film I have ever seen... I am all for supporting NZ film industry, but I have not felt so let down by a feature before. The acting was mediocre, the story line was all but non existent and it only saving grace was the song... and we didn't even hear all of that!!! Technically, the film was fine, good cinematography and great on location shots, but the lack of storyline just made all the good things fade. The star of the show was definitely "Crispy", although we thought the body double used for "Crispy-Crispy" was a little heavy set! Harsh I know, but I think fair! Sorry Toa... but you'll have to do better than that!

Great Movie!

[JenstarNZ · 10/10 · 18 March 2006]

This was one of the most feel good movies I've watched in a long time. I wanted to go straight home after I saw it and give all my family big hugs eh. Great story :) Plus it had Rene Naufahu in it who I love - I wish he was starring in more movies. Set in Mount Roskill, in Auckland, you see another side to life in the big city. Such a real portrayal of family life. I thought all the young actors in the movie did a great job - definitely some up and coming talent amongst them. This movie is definitely one to take your Mum or Dad, Nana or Grandpa, Brother or Sister to and be prepared to get emotional. The storyline itself sounds at first like it is going to be a bit bland, but believe me, you'll never be more moved.

Delightful, pleasant, warm, charming

[paulmartin-2 · 4/10 · 30 October 2006]

I'm in two minds about submitting a review for this film, because I walked out after an hour. It was more than enough, and several others did likewise earlier. So, while I can't comment on the entire film, I can say that the first hour was very tedious, clunky, contrived and slowly deteriorating in plot and plausibility. It was like a long episode of Neighbours, with Polynesians instead of Ramsay St.

No. 2 is the type of film that is usually described in attempted superlatives such as delightful, pleasant, warm, or charming. If you liked the unimpressive Little Miss Sunshine, you may like this. I found No. 2 less likable and more tedious. The dialogue was clumsy, full of unnecessary and contrived arguing and basically lacking authenticity.

There were moments of warmth, and the lead actress looked nice on camera. The cinematography was generally good, but there was little to grab me as a viewer. If you're a fan of Neighbours, you'll probably like this.

What a wonderful film...

[summer_kr75 · 10/10 · 21 February 2006]

There are films and there are films with a soul. No. 2 is a film with a big soul and needs no special effects no big budgets or big names to be a big little film.

It takes the time that is necessary to tell a story so unusual in nowadays cinematic landscape, a story that makes the audience feel and touches the souls of those who are willing to listen to it.

There are wonderful performances of several actors to observe and No.2 shows how a wonderful script has no need for a big budget. It's not a tearjerker or going for the easy laughs, it's not a black and white movie but shows the shades of grey that make life life.

I laughed, frowned, had tears in my eyes, cringed, smiled and felt touched so many times.

It is one of these films that can be distinguished from the majority of films by its ability to make you feel and that somehow cause your whole being to be uplifted by the time you leave the cinema.

It's one of the films that linger and hold the audience so captive that only after the credits have been rolling for quite a while, the first people start to reluctantly file out of the theatre.

Amazingly great NZ film

[jimbare37 · 10/10 · 10 February 2006]

I was at the premier of this film out in the open air on Auckland's harbor...NZ's Prime Minister was there as she is a great supporter of the arts...I might add unannounced at first. This film can all remind us of someone(s) in our family and is a "feel good" in the end. Way to go NZ and I hope this film does a great showing worldwide...and no I am not from NZ...Canada! The way this country(NZ) has evolved into a great wealth of artistic talent speaks volume for its people and its isolation geographically. Must say I am most impressed with this film...was't sure what to expect and was pleasantly surprised...GO SEE IT!

raw and real, funny and cheeky

[vixinoz · 10/10 · 1 May 2006]

another great kiwi film, how do they do it?? a small country with not a big budget for films even after lotr and peter jackson.

No.2 is rich story telling, beautifully flawed relationships, raw and real, funny and cheeky.

new zealand film makers have set such high standards in telling their stories, i have yet to see it trickle through to Australian film making - although australians are good at making Hollywood movies- but movies that capture the worlds attention and respect far and few between. like once were warriors couldn't be copied and wasn't from kiwi genre point of view neither should the castle and its characters be rewrote and reworked and remade over and over. let the writers write- not all writers should have to direct to see their work made with integrity.

see this movie- No.2

definitely worth watching!

[marzNZ · 9/10 · 1 February 2006]

I saw this movie last night, and was very very impressed with the quality of the shots, the genuine actors, and the awesome writing of the film. Such an authentic combination of humor, drama, family ties, history, and culture, it made this movie truly worth watching. It's not often that you get a "nz" film that has you glued to the story the whole way through, so Number 2 stood out because it managed to do that. And even though I recognised some actors from NZ TV show's, they were enough in character in this film to let me see them as their new characters.

A genuine story, with a great local cast. it exceeded my expectations. I would recommend this movie to anyone, and I look forward to seeing what other great work Toa Fraser brings to us in the future!

Brilliant, funny, and tender. A must see

[ngaireisobel · 9/10 · 21 June 2007]

I saw this film when I was back home in New Zealand last year and adored it. It's a wonderful little film that shows how people actually live in New Zealand - not out roaming the countryside, mostly, but in big diverse cities like Auckland, where No. 2 is set.

Although the movie is set in New Zealand however, the theme of passing the torch to a younger generation is pretty universal - and anyone who's ever lived in a tourist destination country will appreciate quips, such as the tourist whose sole purpose in coming to New Zealand is to see "Mt. Doom".

The characters are fully formed, and the acting is excellent. Ruby Dee as Nana Maria and Taungaroa Emile as Soul particularly stand out. I think the main thing I appreciated about this film was the humour, I haven't laughed so hard at a film in a long time.

The Old Crazy bossy Lady makes sense.

[berthine · 9/10 · 16 June 2014]

A different culture than mine, this was an eye-opener. Tradition counts, feelings do, death is a departing and part and parcel of everything. And so everything turns into a big celebration and tying together feast including pig, trees, foreigners, music and naturally mishaps and power struggles. Features the epic "Bathe In The River", a very moving song by amazing New Zealand musician Hollie Smith and the Mt Raskill local people choir. This film forms an important link in New Zealand film lineage as it is one that portrays a very important happening in an 'island' family living in Auckland's 'wild' west suburbs. We get to experience a largely different and unknown culture right in the middle of a 'normal' suburb. This is Auckland, the city with the world's largest Polynesian population.