Maidgethma Wonderfully offbeat film!

BootDigest Such a frustrating disappointment

Stoutor It's not great by any means, but it's a pretty good movie that didn't leave me filled with regret for investing time in it.

Philippa All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

p.newhouse@talk21.com A rather thought provoking drama, In My Father's Den showcases the acting talents of it's cast perfectly. It also shows that New Zealand's film industry can do more than just quirky comedy, which it does admirably. The whole cast were excellent, but the impact of this piece really depended on the central duo. Matthew Macfadyen, as the out of place and uncomfortable returning escapee Paul, and Emily Barclay, as the insecure but seemingly confident sixteen year old Celia, nail their performances beautifully. These are two very complex individuals who think that they know their stories, and the viewer gets sucked into their self-belief. I loved and hated the two central characters in turn. And then the twist blew my train off the rails.

Bas Acevedo A cloudy sky. Perhaps this is one of those works that take your heart first slowly, then stops force to remove it quickly. If you're here to get drunk you are welcome. You could say that this film brings the fascination and temperance in its first minutes. The story is very well contained as a structural point, the simplicity of approach you and invite you to stroll through your eyes we are delighted to know that this artist thought of as leaving a pain that trains you. New Zealand has a new hero. The mystery leads us to the depths of our emotional supports, to delight and savor every moment without leaving a little. That's when you can not drop anything. And then it happens, knock on the door to say "the world exists and is full of pain". Amazing.

Sindre Kaspersen New Zealand screenwriter and director Brad McGann's feature film debut which he wrote, is based on New Zealand author Maurice Gee's novel from 1972, was shot on location in Henderson, Auckland in the North Island of New Zealand and is a New Zealand-UK co-production which was produced by producers Trevor Haysom and Dixie Linder. It tells the story about war journalist and photographer Paul Prier who returns to his hometown in New Zealand in order to attend his father's funeral. After seventeen years of silence Paul is reunited with his brother Andrew, a father, farmer and husband with a wife named Penny who resembles their mother and his first love Jackie, a butcher who is in a bad relationship. Paul has planned to leave after the funeral, but his brother wants him to stay and help him with the sale of some of their father's properties. While reconsidering his decision, Paul discovers a sixteen-year-old girl named Celia in his father's den and meets his former principal who offers him a job as an English teacher at the local high school. Paul decides to stay in his hometown and when he starts his new job, he learns that Celia is one of his students. Finely and engagingly directed Brad McGann, this profoundly gripping and compassionately narrated independent film is an in-depth study of character about a man who is struggling to confront and acknowledge a past that has followed him ever since he left the town where he grew up. While examining fundamental themes, this character-driven and internal psychological drama which contains some fine naturalistic milieu depictions, draws a multifaceted portrayal of family relations and has a poignant atmosphere which is emphasized by English-born New Zealand cinematographer Stuart Dryburgh's stellar cinematography and the captivating score by British composer Simon Boswell.This memorable fictional tale which is notable for it's fine production design by production designer Jennifer Kernke and editing by film editor Chris Plummer is impelled and reinforced by it's fragmented narrative structure and the heartfelt and involving acting performances by English actor Matthew Macfadyen, English-born New Zealand actress Emily Barclay in her second feature film role and the fine supporting acting performances by Australian actress Miranda Otto and actor Colin Moy. An afflicting and compassionate mystery which gained, among numerous other awards, the FIPRESCI Prize at the 29th Toronto International Film Festival in 2004, the Special Jury Prize Brad McGann (1964-2007) at the 31st Seattle International Film Festival in 2005 and the British Independent Film Award for Most Promising Newcomer Emily Barclay at the 8th British Independent Film Awards in 2005.

ryuakamrvengeance One of the true gems of cinema and a must see for all fans of world cinema. Mathew McFadyen is absolutely terrific as "Paul", and displays a real talent and understanding of the character. Newcomer Emily Barclay is also brilliant, playing the naiive, but refreshing "Celia".It is one of those films that keeps you guessing all the way through, and will give a handful of twists at the end for you to revere and reminisce on as you look back on the fantastic 120 minutes we have just witnessed.There is some excellent directing on show from Brad McGann and shows off the beautiful New Zealand landscape, without covering it head to toe in Orcs. He plays with the narrative to create a compelling, engrossing story, that never looks tired weak or pretentious, and shows that thrillers don't all have to be hi-tech Clancy-like over ambitious renditions of the same tired clichés.Miranda Otto seems strangely misplaced in this film, and never seems totally in control of her character, but despite that this film is near flawless and shows a different side to film making, one that comes directly from true film lovers and not penned down by some Hollywood writing monkeys.A must see for all film lovers, whether or not you are appreciative of world cinema, a brilliant lesson to all aspiring filmmakers, that sometimes a great story is all you need.