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Kingpin

Film, 1985 (Drama)

 Kingpin

 Kingi's Story
 Mark II
 E Tipu E Rea - Thunderbox

Synopsis

Part two of a trilogy (see also Kingi's Story, Mark II) about troubled NZ youth. Filmed at, and inspired by residents of Kohitere Boys Training Centre, Levin, the bros-in-borstal tale follows a group of teens who are wards of the state; played by actors Mitchell Manuel, Faifua "Junior" Amiga and Nicholas Rogers. Kingpin focuses on the bond between Riki (Manuel) and Willie (Amiga), who along with the other kids are terrorised by Karl (Rogers), the Kingpin of the title. Powerful and moving, it's directed by Mike Walker, who co-wrote the script with Manuel.

Background

Notes on Kingpin by Mitchell Manuel 23.06.2010

Kingpin centres on the new arrival of Riki Nathan, a quiet but sultry kid who just wants to do his time and get out. But in the meantime he befriends Willie Hoto, an effervescent teenage boy whose tall stories and bravado win Riki over. ...

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Credits (14)

 Mike Walker

Mike Walker
Producer, Writer, Director

 Gary Hannam

Gary Hannam
Producer

 Mitchell Manuel

Mitchell Manuel
Writer, Actor

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Comments (13)

 tiki potter

tiki potter

Posted at 04.57PM - 16.09.2011

can someone put this movie on dvd please?

 nuaboyaus

nuaboyaus

Posted at 04.46PM - 26.08.2011

Classic.. old bloomer sniffer

 Incredible Hooks

Incredible Hooks

Posted at 10.26PM - 24.08.2011

Awesome! this movie was filmed in my hometown Levin, used to watch this over and over back in the days, we still quote some of the lines from this movie today! R.I.P Mike Walker

 Damm_Native13

Damm_Native13

Posted at 04.09PM - 25.04.2011

mean maori mean

 Brendan

Brendan

Posted at 11.26AM - 18.04.2011

I remember this movie always use to watch this movie when i was younger . havnt seen it since then how would i get this movie . for years been searching for this movie in Video stores and Shops never found it . ANd MarkII

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Produced by

Morrow Productions

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Related Titles (3)

 Kingi's Story

Kingi's Story

Television, 1981 (Full Length)

Another film in this iconic trilogy about young Māori

 Mark II

Mark II

Television, 1986 (Full Length)

Another film in this iconic trilogy about young Māori

 E Tipu E Rea - Thunderbox

E Tipu E Rea - Thunderbox

Television, 1989 (Full Length)

Another drama featuring actor Faifua Amiga

Quotes

The most refreshing aspect of Kingpin is the total lack of apologist preaching […]. It is a positive sign of Walker’s understanding and respect that he doesn’t make up facile excuses for them [the boys]. Tough minded it may be, but the compassion of Kingpin’s outlook is touching too. 

– Costa Botes, Dominion, 19 May 1986

Kingpin is the right kind of film for us to be making in New Zealand. It is about love and human being; it is clumsy but stylish. It strikes a blow for life. It is sensitive and caring. This film is one from the heart. 

– Sam Pillsbury, a contemporary review

Awards

1985 Moscow Film Festival
Special Prize - 'For the clearest embodiment of the ideas of anti-imperialist solidarity, peace and friendship'.