LOUISA TEI

Americans and rugby - not quite a match - but as the game grows in the U.S. so should the popularity of this film. The haka - war dance performed by Aotearoa New Zealand’s national rugby team the All Blacks - is what got the boys in the film intrigued by the game. Warriors recognize a war cry and they rose to the challenge. The film made me laugh and cry. In NZ I come from, rugby is #1 in the hearts and souls of our nation. I held my breath when the Nomads did their warm up haka - don’t rip us off - don’t mock a culture you don’t know - but the boys did their own version with unity and pride. This is our land that rumbles. This is our time. This is our moment. Well done to the real Nomads, those who inspired the film and the cast and crew that brought us this story. Kia kaha! Be strong.