A whole heap of homegrown talent—plus one notable import—star in this New Zealand coming of age comedy set against a backdrop of political turmoil in the early 1980s. But while it’s a period piece, the issues at hand are, if anything, even more pressing today.
How to watch Uproar in New Zealand
Uproar is playing exclusively in New Zealand cinemas right now.
What is Uproar about?
It’s 1981 and bullied but amiable Dunedin high school student Josh Waaka (Julian Dennison) gets a new lease on life when a benevolent teacher (Rhys Darby) encourages him to join their school’s nascent (not to mention tiny) drama club. Josh cops a lot of flak for both his weight and his Maori identity, but his acting talent opens up the possibility of an arts career. However, the South African Springboks rugby team are touring and, as his best friend Grace (Jada Fa’atui) joins the growing protests against the apartheid state, he starts to experience a political awakening as the unrest forces him to confront his own experiences as a Maori kid in a predominately Pakeha school. It is a comedy, though—albeit one that deals with some serious themes.
The cast of Uproar
James Rolleston plays Josh’s older brother, former Junior All Black Jamie. And it’s worth noting both actors got their start working under director Taika Waititi, with Rolleston starring in Boy and Dennison in Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Bringing in the international appeal is Minnie Driver, who plays their mother, Shirley, while Mark Mitchinson, Erana James, Craig Hall, Milo Cawthorne, Byron Coll, John Leigh, and Paul Kingi are in support.
Uproar trailer
What are the critics saying about ?
Directed by Directed by Hamish Bennett and Paul Middleditch, Uproar has been met with universal critical acclaim, with pundits praising its period detail (including a bangin’ ’80s soundtrack) and deft approach to issues of race and class.
