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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 (17)

 Thrash Metaller

Thrash Metaller

Posted at 10.16PM - 21.05.2012

One of my all time kiwi classic films... F*cking brilliant!

 Porangi-Koro Morgan

Porangi-Koro Morgan

Posted at 01.53PM - 23.04.2012

I to was a state-ward, Kohitere was home 1979 anyone still out there Mr Gary Weihepiana, Mrs Martin, Mrs Gall the meanest cooks, it was a memorable moment seeing this epic brilliant, anyone from this era out there Im Kiwi house all the way.

 KC

KC

Posted at 03.33PM - 28.03.2012

This Movie Brings Back Memories. I Remember Seeing This Film Back In The Days From When I Was Going To School. Still A Good Film

 Anita Coburn

Anita Coburn

Posted at 11.35PM - 21.02.2012

wow ive just had the best old skol movie day started wif mark 2 then kingi nw kingpin alot has changed in film making but i dnt think clasic like these wud eva die out been serching 4 these movies 4 years so glad i found this site awesum dae goin dwn memory lane

 tiki potter

tiki potter

Posted at 04.57PM - 16.09.2011

can someone put this movie on dvd please?

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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'.