Savage (2019)

Inspired by the true stories of New Zealand's street gangs across 30 years, SAVAGE follows DANNY at three defining moments in his life as he grows from a boy into the violent enforcer of a gang.

Director:

Sam Kelly

Writer:

Sam Kelly

Stars:

Jake Ryan, John Tui, Chelsie Preston Crayford

Cast

Credited cast:
Jake Ryan	...	Damage
John Tui	...	Moses
Chelsie Preston Crayford	...	Flo
Seth Flynn	...	Liam
Haanz Fa'avae-Jackson	...	Teen Moses
James Matamua	...	Teen Danny
Jack William Parker	...	Teen Liam
Alex Raivaru	...	Tug
Olly Presling	...	Young Danny
Lotima Pome'e	...	Young Moses
Italiyah Wilson	...	Lilly
Eden Flynn	...	Young Liam
Poroaki Merritt-McDonald	...	Red
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Taiti Ahiao	...	Buck
Tui Rererangi Aitken	...	Child Chloe

Storyline

Inspired by the true stories of New Zealand's street gangs across 30 years, SAVAGE follows DANNY at three defining moments in his life as he grows from a boy into the violent enforcer of a gang.

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Plot Keywords:

boy | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama

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Did You Know?

Trivia

Poneke is the Maori name for Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. It is also where the story is based and the film location.

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Quotes

Flo: Why do you wear that mask?
Damage: So you can see who i am

User Reviews

Harrowing route to redemption.

This film offers quite a fascinating insight into gang culture in New Zealand that is certainly violent, but also sophisticated and layered. I'll admit to squirming slightly in my seat for the first few minutes - that is pretty angry - but shortly thereafter we are exposed to the story of how "Danny - aka Damage" (Jake Ryan) went from being a small boy in a big family with an abusive father living on the poverty line to a feared and dreaded gang enforcer. Reduced to having to steal food, he is apprehended by the police and shoved into the care system - abandoned by his family and at the mercy of some rather brutal and predatory officials as he grows up. On the way, he befriends "Moses" (John Tui) and in order to protect each other and to get themselves some respect, they start a gang "the Savages". It's the realism that is striking about this Sam Kelly film. Such a far cry from the picturesque scenes we are accustomed to seeing from NZ, this offers a glimpse of the true existences of these men on the periphery of society with their own rules - an honour code - that woebetide anyone who crosses. The characterisations elicit pathos and detestation but as it builds, there is a prevailing humanity that has never quite left "Danny" and what he really hankers after for himself starts to take hold of, and question, his loyalties. Don't be put off by the first five minutes, it is an intelligent and thought-provoking story well worth watching.

Details

Country:

New Zealand

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 August 2020 (UK)

Also Known As:

Savage

Filming Locations:

Wellington, New Zealand

Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,289,813

Company Credits

Production Co:

POP Film, Avalon Studios Limited, Avalon Studios Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Color:

Color