Great cast means this New Zealand film shines, writes Christine Powley.
Directors: Mark Albiston and Louis Sutherland
Cast: Kevin Paulo, Julian Dennison, Alistair Browning, Maureen Fepuleai, Jacek Koman, Laura Peterson, Byron Coll
Rating: (R16)
Four out of five stars
To write and direct a movie is an all-encompassing task. By the time you get to the set, there are countless people questioning you to make sure that they have captured your vision.
Signing off on the lighting makes sense but when you are consulted on the colour of the tablecloths, does it really matter?
Some perfectionist directors will care, insisting that the marigold yellow of their mind's eye be found. For others, not clashing with the leading lady's outfit matters the most.
Either way, debating the right tablecloth slows a shoot down, so you can see why sharing directing duties with a trusted collaborator is a smart move.
New Zealand film Shopping (Rialto) directors Mark Albiston and Louis Sutherland are childhood friends who have always made films together.
This is their first feature and is loosely based on their teenage years.
Willie (Kevin Paulo) is a shyhalf-Samoan kid who has been brought up Island-style (i.e. to respect his elders and be scrupulously honest).
For his efforts he is treated with casual contempt by his workmates. There are also strains at home so when he meets Bennie (Jacek Koman), a Flash Harry-type with sticky fingers, he responds to the fact that Bennie is the first person to really see him.
Best thing: A lot of care has gone into the casting and it has paid off with lovely naturalistic performances from the young actors.
Worst thing: Willie is such an internalised character that it takes ages to work out what exactly is going on with him.
See it with: Some L&P and a box of skittles to recapture that '70s vibe.
