Uproar
Image of film poster
Directed byPaul Middleditch
Hamish Bennett
Screenplay byHamish Bennett, Sonia Whiteman
Produced byEmma Slade, Angela Cudd, Sandra Kailahi
Starring
CinematographyMaría Inés Manchego
Music byKarl Sölve Steven
Production
company
Blue Fox Entertainment
Distributed byKismet
Release dates
5 October 2023 (NZ)
30 November 2023 (AUS)
Running time
110 minutes
CountryNZ
LanguageEnglish

Uproar is a 2023 New Zealand drama comedy film directed by Paul Middleditch and Hamish Bennett, and starring Minnie Driver, Rhys Darby and Julian Dennison.[1][2][3] This coming-of-age film was written by Bennett and Sonia Whiteman. It relates the story of a 17 year-old boy who is forced to clamber off the fence he has actively sat on all his life to stand up for himself, his whānau (family) and his future. Uproar was released to critical acclaim.

Plot

17-year-old Josh Waaka is growing up in New Zealand in 1981. The rugby-obsessed country is divided over the arrival of the South African Springboks team, sparking nationwide protests. Josh, who has never felt like he fits in anywhere, is inspired by the protests and by a newfound passion for performing to find his own voice. After embracing his community and his Māori heritage, Josh and his family set out on a journey towards healing.

Cast

Release and reception

The film was premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival 2023.[4] Released in October 2023, the film received positive reviews.

The New Zealand Herald praised Dennison's performance in their review and dubbed the film "powerful and emotional".[5] Stuff.co.nz reviewed it as "funny, poignant and emotional" and an "entertaining '80s-set dramedy".[6] The Curb praised the film saying that Uproar was "a funny, kind, warm, and bittersweet story about acceptance and rebellion".[7] Reviewer Nadine Whitney dubbed Uproar "a triumph".[7] Exclaim! reviewed it as "a powerful coming-of-age drama highlighting a tense political clash that viewers outside of New Zealand probably know nothing about".[8]

RogerEbert.com's review praised Dennison's work saying; "[he] brings his signature warmth, humor, and pathos for a singular and deeply affecting performance".[9] FilmInk also highlighted Dennison's role, saying: "it’s in this role that the lad truly shines as an actor".[10] Reviewer Cain Noble-Davies concluded; "[Uproar} is a hard-hitter that benefits from confident presentation and conviction in its storytelling."[10] On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a rating of 100% based on 8 critical reviews.[11]

References

  1. ↑ Croot, James. "Uproar: Thoroughly entertaining '80s-set dramedy deserves to be seen by Kiwis of all ages". stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
  2. ↑ "Julian Dennison and Erana James on their new film Uproar". rnz.co.nz. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
  3. ↑ Vailala, Alakihihifo. "Julian Dennison's new movie Uproar: 'Too white for the marae, too brown for where he is'". nzherald.co.nz. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
  4. ↑ "Toronto International Film Festival 2023: Uproar". Filminquiry.com. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  5. ↑ Puschmann, Karl (4 October 2023). "Review: Why Kiwi stars Julian Dennison and Rhys Darby and UK actress Minnie Driver's new film Uproar is something to shout about". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  6. ↑ Croot, James (2 October 2023). "Uproar: Thoroughly entertaining '80s-set dramedy deserves to be seen by Kiwis of all ages movie". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  7. 1 2 Whitney, Nadine (2 October 2023). "Uproar is a Political Coming-of-Age Story that Stands as a Triumph for Aotearoa New Zealand Cinema". Thecurb.com.au. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  8. ↑ Hudson, Alex (11 September 2023). "The '80s Culture Wars of Uproar Are More Urgent Than Ever [film review]". Exclaim.ca. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  9. ↑ E. Gates, Marya (13 September 2023). "TIFF 2023: Uproar [film review]". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  10. 1 2 Noble-Davies, Cain. "Uproar [film review]". Filmink.com. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  11. ↑ "Uproar". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
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