The Orator

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Audience Member Great story told in the Samoan language. Brilliantly shot. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/03/23 Full Review Audience Member Fa'a Samoa. The Samoan Way. The closest thing I can associate it to is the customs and practices of lords and ladies. Possessions are limited in Samoa. The most prized and valued of all things can't bee seen or touched it is their family name and Chief Title or Matai. A Chiefly Title gives a family and the village status on the Council of Chiefs or Fono. But it is the Chief that can communicate in a manner that cuts through crap and can clearly get their points across politely, eloquently and with passion elevates the status of the family and keeps the best interests defended. Village laws are enforced, justice is served and punishment is executed all under the authority of Matai. "The Orator" follows the life of Saili. Saili feels unworthy of the Chiefly Title that should fall to him with the passing of his parents. This movie allows a special perspective of Fa'a Samoa and Fa'amatai as we walk along side Saili his wife, daughter and the people he shares the closeness of village life. For viewers familiar with Samoan life the film touches on some very common trials native Samoans deal with including, gossip, infidelity, violence and more. I took powerful messages from this movie. Am I willing to be a committed stand when everything stacks against me? Running from birthright is hard to do than anyone can imagine. I wonder what message will come up for you if you watch. I encourage you to watch this movie with an open heart and a desire to see a beautifully simple yet complex movie that deserves to be seen by millions. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/09/23 Full Review Audience Member Well made first feature about outcasts finally finding a voice and standing up for what's important to them. Develops at a natural pace. Fine cinematography, editing, and structure. Satisfying resolution. The combination of competitive oratory and bribery in influencing decision making and power is fascinating. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/12/23 Full Review Audience Member insight into the social, political, spiritual and cultural happenings of a Somoan village. Original in script and story, the somoan landscape offers a perfect backdrop to a fantastic tale of what makes Samoa so unique...it's beliefs. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Massive props to Samoa on the big screen. So many everyday and formal traditional aspects of Fa'aSamoa thrown into this movie it was great to see. Ruddy good effort. More, more more. Good to see some familiar names in the credits also Tuala, Darryl and Bella. Was a couple parts regarding interactions with characters that I didn't get why, but I don't want to spoil it. Still, an absolute pleasure to watch. Slow in parts but I guess Tamasese wanted to portray a true difference of time and space compared to western life. Loved the 'coach' scenes. I could watch a whole movie on that alone. Would love to see some Samoan fantasy films based on our own myths and legends and more comedy. Good on ya New Zealand Film Commission for backing Samoan film makers & submitting for consideration as Best Foreign Language Film for the 84th Academy Awards (R), to be held in Hollywood on the 28th of February 2012. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/01/23 Full Review Read all reviews

The Orator

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