Scarfies (1999)

Absolutely brilliant

If you like to be scared, if you like to laugh, and if you like to learn a thing or two at the movies, this absolutely cannot be missed.

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

The acting in this movie is really good.

Imagine a friend who gives you some money to pay a bill, but the next day they demand it back again and say that you forced them into giving you the money. When you pay it back, they apologise and say they were just a bit angry about something else and didn't really need the money back actually, and later they lie about the whole incident to other people. That is the sort of attitude the characters have in this movie. All of them appear unable make a decision without yelling, screaming and crying. The bare bones of the plot had vague potential, but they should have thrown the script back and tried again.

This film is another fine example of what New Zealand filmmakers can do when they hold the audiences' enjoyment above their own artistic w**k-ness.The Sarkies Brothers have created an extremely (un)pleasant film that isn't really about University life at all, but about those staple cinematic conventions -paranoia, murder and er, flatting.I strongly urge any one not from New Zealand to check out this little gem. God knows when it'll get released anywhere else though. I hope it gets onto screens in the U.S.One quibble however, three times in the film, characters describe each other as 'jerks'. Honestly, who in New Zealand uses that word with a straight face? It's such a sitcom-ism. 'Dick' would have been much more suitable in my eyes.

We seem to do brilliant "black" films. This one is no exception. A superb black comedy. The characterisation of all the players is superb... they seem real, and their actions are entirely consistent with their histories as we know them.Often in New Zealand films, they are let down by the production values. Not so here. This film could have been produced anywhere in the world. The editing is adept and crisp, and the cinematography is supurb. Direction is equally taught. I was literally on the edge of my seat during the climax, and my heart rate was elevated for many minutes afterwards.If this is the future of New Zealand film, then GIVE THE FILM COMMISSION MORE MONEY!!!!

Filed in "Tropical Dunedin" on New Zealand's South Island.A bunch of hapless students get themselves into the mire when they appropriate a crop of "weed".We were part of the "test audience" on a warm summer evening here in Wellington. Although the film was still in post production, it showed some brilliance in parts. Well worth a look.