This Way of Life
85 minutes /
Ages 13+ /
2009 /
New Zealand /
Average:
A family in New Zealand struggles courageously to live a simple existence.
Subscribe now for unlimited access
Against the isolated New Zealand mountains, Peter and Colleen Karena struggle to raise their six children on the thin edge between freedom and disaster. Peter hunts, trains wild horses, and works to instill the values of independence and courage in his children, while an escalating struggle with his own father has profound consequences for the entire Karena clan. In a precipitous existence that is equal parts glorious abandon and painful suspense, Peter and Colleen set up a series of makeshift camps while their brood of fearless kids ride bareback across the wild New Zealand landscape. Ultimately, this complete immersion in another way of life reveals that the price of freedom is well worth paying.
Berlin International Film Festival -- Special Jury Award (Won)
Message to Man Film Festival -- Special Jury Award (Won)
Wairoa Maori Film Festival -- Audience Award Best Documentary Feature (Won)
Palm Beach International Film Festival -- Official Selection
Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival -- Official Selection
" "
2 days ago
" "
2 weeks ago
The image of the father and daughter riding the horse through the lake with the daughter hanging onto her father's belt loop will stick in my mind. Everything about this film was lovely and aspiring!
" "
3 weeks, 3 days ago
" "
4 weeks ago
Beautiful people, beautiful landscape and beautiful story. I too want to know what happens to this family, but perhaps crystallizing them as they are captured in the film is the best way to leave it in our minds.
" "
4 weeks, 1 day ago
" "
1 month ago
I don't know the official definition of a documentary, but if it's to get us to stop and think and appreciate, this one is superb. I truly loved this intimate look at this beautiful family and would love to see a follow-up.
" "
1 month ago
" "
1 month, 3 weeks ago
very touching film. I want to know what happened next!
" "
2 months, 2 weeks ago
" "
3 months, 3 weeks ago
Loved it
" "
9 months, 2 weeks ago
This is really a great film.