Assignment 17: Sanat Dharwad

  Over break I watched Hunt for the Wilderpeople, directed by Taika Waititi. I came into this with high expectations, as I’ve enjoyed his past works, and was not disappointed this time around.   

    The main character Ricky Baker is an orphan deemed irredeemable by the foster system. He eventually finds a good family with Hec and Bella Faulkner. Soon enough, the rebellious Ricky Baker warms up to Bella and for the first time in a while, is happy. Tragically, Bella dies of a heart attack, and Hec is deemed unsuitable to raise Ricky on his own, so child protective services come back to take Ricky back. Not wanting to go back, Ricky runs into the New Zealand bush, and Hec goes in to find him. Meanwhile, child protective services return to their house and assume Hec Kidnapped Ricky, and go on a hunt for them. The majority of the movie is Ricky and Hec on the run from the government, trying to survive out in the wilderness.

    I loved this movie. Waititi, as always, was really good with the comedic aspect of the movie, inserting it in the places you’d least expect. I liked Hec and Ricky originally despising each other, but growing to like each other as they went on their journey. There were also some really heart wrenching moments which balanced out the action and humor, such as Bella’s death. Most of all, the ending was really satisfying. While I was watching the movie I was concerned that it was just going to end with Hec and Ricky hiking into the sunset, continuing their journey, something really cheesy, but thankfully the ending provided some closure and character development, though bittersweet. ( I was vague here cause i don't know if you plan on watching this, plus I couldn’t get this on rotten tomatoes)