Directed by Florian Habicht. Reviewed by Paul Sorrell

This is a film we can relax to. Kawakawa man James Cross is delighted to be participating in a film celebrating his mother’s 100th birthday, and who better to make it than family friend and seasoned filmmaker Florian Habicht, best known for Kaikohe Demolition?

The film tracks the pair in their daily routine over the five days leading up to Isey’s birthday party on their local marae. The youngest of five siblings, James has a special bond with his parents, and has returned home to care for his father before transferring his filial devotion to Isey. We see them driving around in James’s flash car, going shopping, on a fishing trip (Isey still fishes for marlin!), entertaining guests and downing endless cups of strong tea and, in Isey’s case, generous shots of bourbon.

While the pair have much in common, we learn that they are also very different people, as director Habicht draws us into their lives. While Isey grew up at a time when te reo was considered disadvantageous in a Pakeha-driven world, even in the Far North, James has left his early career as a singer and actor behind to become a fully fledged tohunga and shaman. The scene in which he sings a karakia to Tane Mahuta is haunting and unearthly — a window onto an older Maori spirituality that contrasts with Isey’s quiet Christian faith and fondness for the simple language of the Lord’s Prayer.

What matters to both of them are relationships — with whanau, with nature and, pre-eminently, with each other. James refuses the title “carer” in relation to his mother – theirs is a relationship of equals, marked by mutual respect and love. James hopes that their journey through life together will never end.

After the big party, when all the guests have left, James and Isey launch into a gentle rendition of an old favourite, “Que Sera”. This couple take life as it comes. They have no great amibitions, they don’t aspire to be rich or famous or own lots of stuff beyond the simple, cherished furnishings of the modest home they share. We could learn a lot from them.

I have it on good authority that Isey is still with us, now 102. I’m sure she and James will be delighted if Tui Motu readers flock to the cinema to see her film

Tui Motu Magazine. Issue 260 June 2021: 28