MovieChat Forums > In My Father's Den (2004) Discussion > One of the best films ever made

One of the best films ever made

posted 16 years ago by bono_vox_is_god
9 replies | jump to latest

I hope that anyone who is on this site and hasnt seen the film will go and rent it, because it is the best film to have come from NZ since 'Once were Warriors'.

I am dissapointed the film hasnt recieved that much praise over the years.

When other young Australian filmmakers ask me what films to watch, I mention this film specifically. It touched me deeply when I saw it. The cinematography is beautiful, the film incredible moving. It really inspired my last short film and the feature films I am writing.

BVIG

[–] aeosrules 15 years ago

Hi Bono,
Absolutely. "It touched me deeply when I saw it. The cinematography is beautiful, the film incredible moving." You took the words right out of my mouth mate, lol. I tell everyone to watch it as well but I think it depends on the person and how deep they are. It saddens me when I hear comments like, its was ok, or I didnt get it. Im baffled by that..I think it is one of those rare films that stays with you for a long time. I love the majority of film that come out of NZ and Australia, but I think NZ's "Whale Rider" & "The Piano" were exceptional films.

Peace
Aeos

[–] agro_puppy3000 15 years ago

totally. I'm a new zealander and i was lucky enough to see it at the movies and own the dvd. It's so good. so good. sooo gooood.

[–] slapchar 15 years ago

I'm an American lucky enough to have seen this film. It is truly my favorite film ever. It was stunning from beginning to end, and completely gut wrenching. I'm very disappointed this film wasn't picked up in the states. I wish that someone would release it so that American audiences could see the great work all of the cast and crew did on this film.

[–] keetsh 15 years ago

Brilliant and stunning movie. Same atmosphere as 'After the wedding', though with a NZ touch in contrast with a Scandinavian one.

[–] adam-1002 15 years ago

you should read the book.

I know saying this has almost become cliche, but the movie will honestly make you want to vomit. It's one of the worst adaptations I've ever seen. McGann doesn't stay true to the source material one bit, and robs Maurice Gee of his characters and puts them in his own story completely distant from the original text.

[–] china44 15 years ago

As far as i know it is not supposed to be an adaptation,director and writer of the book agreed on changes in the plot.Personally, i think McGann made brilliant film from a very mediocre material.

[–] inspired-kiwi 14 years ago

I agree - I've read the book and seen the film several times each as I studied them at university. I enjoyed the film far more than the book, although to be fair I did see the film first. I did like the book, but yes, the adaption was meant to be an 'I like this aspect of the book and I'm going to emphasise that' kind of adaption rather than a 'book to film' adaption like Harry Potter films.

If you're not achieving what you want, is it because you're too lazy or too scared?

[–] timlin-4 13 years ago

Atmosphere and mystery through time-jumps do not make the best film ever. The story was pointless, with "secrets", brooding, and (God protect us) sex, but not much sense.

[–] Tomatish 10 years ago

I just finished watching it. I was so hooked by Paul and Celia's amazing relationship. At first, I thought he was such a great father, but then when we find out they're siblings, it completely clicked.

It doesn't matter to me that it didn't get much praise. It's one of those movies that I would hate to see ruined by over-hyping. I prefer to have it all for my self :)