We Were Dangerous

AroView: A striking Kiwi fable about three teenage girls who plot to escape an oppressive school for delinquents on an isolated island in the 1950s, it’s the debut of director Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu, whose keen eye for composition is matched by a special affinity with the three wonderful young actors (Erana James, Nathalie Morris, Manaia Hall).

Despite its at-times grim subject matter and retro setting, it’s a film that feels modern, vibrant and alive with female-empowered possibility, with Rima Te Wiata adding her magic touch as the frightful headmistress, and Cam Ballentyne’s soundtrack providing another outstanding element.

“It may not be based on a true story, but there’s an historical honesty to director Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu’s confident and tremendously likeable feature debut that gives its story of teen rebellion a distinctive drive.” ~Liam Maguren, Flicks