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Synopsis

Six Māori Battalion soldiers camped in Italian ruins wait for night to fall. In the silence the bros-in-arms distract themselves with jokes. A tohu (sign) brings them back to reality and they gather to say a karakia before returning to the fray. Director Taika Waititi: "they are a bunch of young men [...] who have a special bond, strengthened by their character, their culture and each other." Shot in the rubble of the old Wellington Hospital Tama Tū won international acclaim: honourable mention at Sundance and a special jury prize at Berlin.

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Comments (49)

 Glenn Reddiex

Glenn Reddiex

Whoa...strong tug on the heart string. This short film is simply superb. A mighty fine group of actors and Taika continues to impress.
Never was it more true than seen in this film 'actions speak louder than words'. A subtle raise of the eyebrows from me.

 Ani Capper

Ani Capper

Ae tautoko ki nga korero i puta mai, very touching, sad & beautiful. Im certain this is exactly how our tupuna araa nga morehu hoia would have behaved and felt during that time in that place. Nga mihi aroha, Taika, Ainsley me Cliff.

 David

David

WOW! This film sent shivers up my spine!

 Bruce Wilkinson

Bruce Wilkinson

Appreciate all said before me - masterful and evocative. I hate the thought of where did they go from there? Did they survive? Sad to think of all who perished fighting war - on both sides.

 Dionne Norman

Dionne Norman

This is a magnificent film. I have just sent the link to my whanau so they can also share. Poignantly beautiful in so many ways. There was a hidden strength in this film being filmed in 'silence'. Thank you for making this film.

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