The Orator: Movie Review
The Orator
Rating: 8/10
Cast: Fa'afiaula Sagote, Tausili Pushparaj, Salamasina
Mataia, Ioata Tanielu
Director: Tusi Tamasese
The Orator (O Le Tulafale to give its Samoan title) arrives with a certain
amount of prestige behind it.
The tale from first time director Tusi Tamasese has been submitted for
consideration as Best Foreign Language Film for the 84th Academy Awards®, to be
held in Hollywood on the 28th of February 2012.
It's the story of Vaaiga, (Pushparaj) who's been banished from her ancestral
village - she's now living with little person Saili (a stunning turn from debut
actor Sagote) who's angered neighbours near their home by refusing to move the
graves of his parents.
In fact, he insists on tending them every day and chopping down taro plants
which are being grown by the neighbouring villagers - much to the ire of those
trying to make a living.
Vaaiga's brother Poto (Tanielu) is also causing problems for this small
family; he's sick and wants her to return home.
However, Poto's wish has disastrous consequences for all of them.
Quite frankly, if you fail to be moved by The Orator, you don't have a
pulse.
Lusciously shot and beautifully subtle and nuanced, this entirely Samoan film
is one for the heart as well as the eyes.
First time actor Fa'afiaula Sagote and first time director Tusi Tamasese make
a stunning double act - there's the pain of dishonour and the weight of
expectation etched across Saili's weary face throughout and you can't help but
feel for him as he faces what he faces. Tamasese brings a level headedness to
this cultural debut which captivates you from the opening moments to the
heart-stopping climax.
This isn't all about highly compelling slow-burning drama; there's a rich
vein of subtly dry humour running throughout - mainly thanks to a Samoan rugby
team - which gives the weightiness of the script a much needed touch of
lightness.
Ultimately though The Orator is simply strong measured storytelling and
impressive acting; it's engrossing, heartfelt and in its final scenes,
profoundly moving.
At Darren's World of Entertainment - a movie, DVD and game review blog. The latest movie and DVD reviews - plus game reviews as well. And cool stuff thrown in when I see it.
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