Is Amiri & Aroha Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2011)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Amiri & Aroha (2011), audiences are invited back into the world of Drama, Action, Comedy, Romance. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "'Amiri & Aroha' began as a Maori version of Romeo & Juliet and evolved into a poignant love story, set against a background of gang rivalry and tribal hostility, filmed on the beautiful East Cape of New Zealand. Aroha, the daughter of a notorious gang leader, finds her life dominated by a childhood ceremony which pledged her to her cousin Hunapo. This union was arranged by her whanau (family) to heal a deep gangland feud. When Aroha subsequently meets her true soul mate, Amiri, the gang threaten reprisals if she marries Amiri, accusing her of bigamy. The film is Aroha's right of passage as she struggles to make sense of her past and its impact on her future."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Kristel Day attempts to elevate the material, but the direction leaves them with little to work with. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Amiri & Aroha worth your time? If you appreciate Drama, Action, Comedy, Romance films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Amiri & Aroha misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 47 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.