We Were Dangerous

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We Were Dangerous

2024

1h 23m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

93%

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14 Reviews

Popcornmeter

0 Ratings

Nellie, Daisy and Lou attend an institution for delinquent girls on an isolated island in 1954 New Zealand. The trio rail against the system, finding strength in their friendship. But this is challenged when the school's matron divides them.

David Ehrlich

indieWire

It’s a hopeful — sometimes borderline exuberant — rallying cry for girls to stick together across the various divides that people use to disempower them.

Rated: B-

Mar 9, 2024

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James Croot

Stuff.co.nz

At the centre – and the heart – of this Kiwi cross between The Magdalene Sisters and The Shawshank Redemption, are a cadre of fabulous performances.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 29, 2024

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Liam Maguren

Flicks (AU, NZ, UK)

The laughs lighten the load of the heavier subject matter. Colonialism and conversion therapy cast dark shadows over New Zealand’s recent history, with Stewart-Te Whiu using those shades to illustrate her story.

Aug 19, 2024

Full Review

Abe Friedtanzer

The Film Experience

This film leaves much to ponder in its poignant and lingering portrayal of youth and the human potential for cruelty.

Rated: B+

Jul 27, 2024

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Paul Risker

PopMatters

Sharing its rebellious dream, maybe the characters in their reality are abandoned to a future that will swallow hope. However, they communicate the message of those survivors that found light in the darkness, who refuse to be defined by the shadows...

Apr 20, 2024

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Kristy Strouse

Film Inquiry

It’s a heartwarming story that’s colored with compelling personalities and relationships. We Were Dangerous is a compelling coming-of-age story guided with intrepid force.

Apr 2, 2024

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Josephine Stewart-Tewhiu

Director

Erana James

Nellie

Nathalie Morris

Lou

Rima Te Wiata

The Matron

Manaia Hall

Daisy

Maddie Dai

Screenwriter

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Synopsis

Nellie, Daisy and Lou attend an institution for delinquent girls on an isolated island in 1954 New Zealand. The trio rail against the system, finding strength in their friendship. But this is challenged when the school's matron divides them.

Director: Josephine Stewart-Tewhiu
Producer: Morgan Waru, Polly Fryer
Screenwriter: Maddie Dai
Production Co: Piki Films, Fit Via Vi Film Productions
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Runtime: 1h 23m