Phonearl Good start, but then it gets ruined

Peereddi I was totally surprised at how great this film.You could feel your paranoia rise as the film went on and as you gradually learned the details of the real situation.

Jakoba True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

Darin One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

Avery Hudson In a rare bit of luck, I met the filmmakers in Berlin while covering Forum. Their film was in another section, Generation, so I asked for a DVD. One of the smartest things I did during the festival.The story of Peter and Colleen Karena (Ngati Maniapoto), their six children and fifty horses.I later got to see this beautiful film on a big screen at IFC Center in New York. Some of the compositions are destined to become classics for film students in the new century. Children riding across a hill, a glistening body of water. Oscar quality.I can't improve on the Berlinale essay:"Some people may think that the Karenas live a life of poverty. But this isn't true. THIS WAY OF LIFE is a film about freedom."

film1975 One of the best documentaries ever made. You cannot help but fall in love with this family, and not for one second do you ever feel "sorry" for them... even in their hardest times. in fact, you find yourself envying their "way of life" and wanting to somehow be a part of it. Everyone can learn from this film - it's truly humbling. Some of the scenes are so gorgeously candid and heartfelt, you feel like you're in New Zealand with them. Peter is a role model for all men across the world. I am so incredibly happy I stumbled across this doc @ an IDA screening in Hollywood. I was one of 3 people in the theater and it's a shame. Spread the word! "This Way of Life" is 2011 Oscar MATERIAL!!!!! I would be sorely disappointed if it does not get a nomination at the very least.

damen-hansen This film is absolutely gorgeous in cinematography, scenery , direction and general "feel". The way it is shot leads the viewer to believe they are in residing some remote wilderness. They are actually in a little town just out of Hastings. The scenery shifts as they move from the Ruahine's to Waimarama beach and other locations with breathtaking views. The story is decorated with enviable horsemanship, beguiling time shifts, personal reflections and charming monologues. Peter Karena's personality draws the viewer in and we believe his plight because we want to. There are open questions left unanswered and thought provoking family dynamics that make you wonder what the story behind the story is. It is a simple, beautiful, illustration of real people at it's finest. You will love this.

vixinoz I thought this film was entertaining from start to finish, the family in this doco were each and everyone intriguing, beguiling and unaffected by the rat race. Having had some of the same experiences as a child as the children in this film, I totally relate to galloping about on one of our beautiful noble horses without a care in the world. Watching my dad train wild horses and catch and kill animals for our dinner was also something I can relate to but what was new to me was the incredible lengths this family would go to to keep living this life out of the rat race - and then when their home is burnt down in a malicious attack they experience homelessness, unemployment all the while expecting a new baby. It is amazing how you couldn't make this stuff up, its reality at its best and worst. This film shows no matter how the world falls down around you, having a healthy respect and reverence for nature gives you and your children a better chance to survive and evolve into healthier,wiser, clever-er and fun -er people.