Uproar

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2:31

Uproar

PG-13

Released Mar 15, 2024

1h 50m

Comedy

Drama

Sports

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100%

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25 Reviews

84%

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50+ Ratings

Uproar is set in New Zealand in 1981, when the arrival of the South African rugby team sets off nationwide protests against apartheid and racism. Josh Waaka, a 17-year-old of mixed race who has been a passive bystander all his life, is suddenly forced to stand up for himself, his whānau, or family, and his future.

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Marya E. Gates

RogerEbert.com

Dennison once again brings his signature warmth, humor, and pathos for a singular and deeply affecting performance.

Sep 14, 2023

Full Review

Joe Lipsett

Hazel & Katniss & Harry & Starr Podcast

Dennison is exceptional as a boy discovering where and how to get engaged in activism. Driver's mother is a frustrating character, but she gets moments to shine. Overall this loose adaptation of real events is enjoyable and, sadly, extremely prescient

Rated: 3.5/5

Jun 24, 2025

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Karl Puschmann

New Zealand Herald

James Rolleston and Driver are both as good as you’d expect as Josh’s brother and mum, respectively, and Mark Mitchinson brings the exact right level of conservative authority as the school’s principal.

Feb 12, 2025

Full Review

Todd Jorgenson

Cinemalogue

Committed performances bring a warmth and conviction to this heartfelt Kiwi coming-of-age tale, which finds nuance and poignancy beneath its nostalgic surface quirks.

Jan 10, 2025

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Dave Golder

Radio Times

Uproar uses its setting and period to bring more depth and nuance to its bittersweet tale of teenage rebellion.

Rated: 5/5

Jul 22, 2024

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Julian Roman

MovieWeb

Uproar skillfully combines themes of identity, family, and social justice in a heartwarming and inspirational story. Julian Dennison shines in a thoughtful portrayal of courage and resilience in the face of adversity.

Rated: 3.5/5

Mar 25, 2024

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Ashley H

Great cast. However as a South African myself I dont agree with everything portrayed in this film so I will be giving it a low star rating.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

09/09/25

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LW A

Cringe- worthy and superficial attempt to deal with various issues, none of which were resolved in a satisfactory manner. Could have been a film about anything, anywhere.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

04/11/25

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Liam R

As a 17 year old teenager with similar experiences this movie really touched my heart, I felt so close to it all which made the experience watching this movie a genuine ride. Everyone has done insanely well in this casting so good job, and I hope my review has convinced you to watch this or maybe understand this movie from a different view. thank you

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/08/25

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Joshua A

A perfect way to portray history, the originality of the cast had me on my sit.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/14/24

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Craig B

Based around actual historical and sobering New Zealand events, Uproar is an outstanding movie. Led by a fantastic cast including Julian Dennison, Minnie Driver and Rhys Darby, this really is a terrific movie. While not laugh out loud hilarious, there are plenty of moments which will put a smile on your face, and others which will leave a lump in your throat. Highly recommended for those who like a ‘little’ movie with a huge heart.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/01/24

Full Review

Stewart I

Excellent movie and a great cast

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/14/24

Full Review

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Paul Middleditch

Director

Hamish Bennett

Director

Julian Dennison

Josh Waaka

Rhys Darby

Brother Madigan

Minnie Driver

Shirley Waaka

James Rolleston

Jamie Waaka

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Uproar: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Uproar is set in New Zealand in 1981, when the arrival of the South African rugby team sets off nationwide protests against apartheid and racism. Josh Waaka, a 17-year-old of mixed race who has been a passive bystander all his life, is suddenly forced to stand up for himself, his whānau, or family, and his future.

Director: Paul Middleditch, Hamish Bennett
Producer: Emma Slade, Angela Cudd, Sandra Kailahi
Screenwriter: Hamish Bennett, Sonia Whiteman
Distributor: Blue Fox Entertainment
Rating: PG-13 (Some Violence|Racism|A Crude Gesture|Strong Language|Thematic Material)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sports
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 15, 2024, Limited
Runtime: 1h 50m

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