The Whole of the Moon (1997) User Reviews

when good intentions are not enough......

[biker-1 · 3/10 · 2 October 2005]

New Zealand film maker Ian Mune tackles the medical problem of cancer and youth - a subject hardly conducive to user-friendly cinema entertainment - and welcomely manages to avoid familiar audience manipulation that might otherwise potentially drown the flick in sentiment. It's low budget and most of it centers on the growing friendship between two cancer afflicted teenagers in a hospital ward. The problem is, that the performances are so mediocre, and the script too ordinary (in that unmistakeably New Zealand fashion for no frills dialog) that the viewer struggles to engage with the characters with any convincing sense of emotional involvement. Good intentions are simply not enough to drum up audience interest in what amounts to generally tedious viewing.

Way Underrated

[opaka · 10/10 · 5 January 2003]

It was (is) a very well made and especially played movie. I think it's way too underrated and you can't find a copy of it on DVD or VHS which proves that mainstream shows are and always gonna be more "important". Just look at the fact that you can buy EVERY episode of "Buffy..." but you can't find ONE copy of this movie. Sad.

Waiting.

If you like real life dramas, check this out.

Two teenagers struggle to cope with cancer, hope, despair, and each other.

[Kiwi-7 · 8/10 · 1 August 1998]

This is a fine little film that didn't get the promotion or publicity it deserved, not even here in NZ where it was made. It's a sensitive portrayal of two very different kids struggling to cope with illness, self-esteem, and relationships that only occasionally lapses into cliche. Nikki Si'Ulepa is excellent as the cheeky, street-wise Marty--she picked up a NZ award for her role--and middle-class-ordinary-teenager Kirk Mead puts in a solid performance as the kid who thinks he has everything to lose, and nothing to live for. There are some lovely images (especially up on the roof), and the scene of the two riding on the prow of the yacht predates Titanic. A good film for teenagers who aren't too cynical about this sort of story. Applause, too, for director Ian Mune who made a fine, honest film here on a little budget.

Its a really down to earth, heart warming film

[kirsty-sullivan · 9/10 · 2 October 2005]

It might help that I'm interested in cancers and medical things (at 16), but i thought that this movie was one of the best "real life" films I've seen. it helps teens who may or may not have cancer to relate and reassure you that there is hope. yes, the dialogue can be a bit, well, plain. but the reality behind the dialogue is true. would someone in this situation really be all melodramatic and happy? not normally, especially if it hits you as a shock. these teen actors take their role seriously in this film, and obviously know what they're doing.

the only part in the film that i find "unreal" is where Kirk finds out he has cancer. Just because you bang your knee isn't a reason to suspect cancer. oh well... i still think that this is a very down to earth, awesome new zealand film... even though it may make Auckland look, well, ugh. the only part that i thought made Auckland look nice was the island that becomes a hideout. i give this film a 9/10 for its realism and awesome acting :)