tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426828157722447087.post6919790539435980268..comments2024-03-06T23:17:27.304+11:00Comments on Mahan's Media: Three Wise Cousins (2016) - Movie ReviewMahanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13373686825047159476noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426828157722447087.post-88525850547160094782023-05-19T21:51:18.300+10:002023-05-19T21:51:18.300+10:00You are absolutely right. When I first saw the fil...You are absolutely right. When I first saw the film and did that write-up, I didn't know anything about Samoan culture or New Zealand culture and I didn't research any of it in preparation for it. I could claim inexperience, since (I hope) a lot has changed in my approach to and understanding of other cultures in the years since, but I still struggle sometimes with properly researching the topics I write about on here. I've made more than a few mistakes, even recent ones.<br /><br />I barely even remember the film, it's been that long since I watched it, but chances are that I wouldn't have the same issues with the content if I were to rewatch it. I've warmed up to quite a few films I gave less-than-glowing reviews to on here upon seeing them again. Re-reading what I put down, I might still have issues with the presentation, but that's just because I can be a nitpicky little bastard. I chose this profession for a reason, lol<br /><br />But seriously, though, I do appreciate you commenting this. Feedback helps me get better at writing about such things, and I wish Blogger allowed me to 'pin' comments so your's would get more prominence because it's a more learned and informative perspective on the film than I had at the time and even now seven years later.Mahanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13373686825047159476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426828157722447087.post-24150774739419025842023-05-15T19:07:51.417+10:002023-05-15T19:07:51.417+10:00And adding to my previous comment, it would be hel...And adding to my previous comment, it would be helpful to do some research about Samoa and its history and people. That could help you understand the movie a bit better. Just some tips but other than that, <br />Fa'afetai lava le faitau. SamoanLillynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426828157722447087.post-58372389507781132372023-05-15T19:02:21.365+10:002023-05-15T19:02:21.365+10:00By reading this critic, I can understand that this...By reading this critic, I can understand that this very much incorporates a Western colonial perspective that has no knowledge or understanding of the Samoan culture and community in any way. The film highlights many issues that Samoan people in diaspora experience. Many Samoans migrate to New Zealand, Australia and other countries for a variety of reasons. Some participate in labor migration while others look for better job and education opportunities for their families. As many settle in New Zealand and Australia for long periods of time, Samoan people often feel disconnected from their ancestral roots and culture by being away from their native homelands. Adam is a good example of this. By connecting and grounding to his cultural roots and identity through learning basic Samoan tasks and chores, he feels complete and happy with his choice of returning back to the islands. It even made him forget about trying to impress his crush to become a 'real island guy'. Being in Samoa, Adam learns a valuable lesson to rebuild a unique connection with his cultural identity but most importantly, he learns the power of communal and family bonding. Although it may be a 'dumb and meaningless cheap' film to you, these are real experiences that many Samoan and Pacific island people can relate to. And that is why it is meaningful and special to us, Indigenous people of the land and the Moana. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426828157722447087.post-1160685551694151302016-03-30T14:14:34.449+11:002016-03-30T14:14:34.449+11:00Well, if nothing else, I'm glad that this film...Well, if nothing else, I'm glad that this film appealed to someone; regardless of what I said, I am by no means going to take that away from anyone. Thanks for reading!Mahanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13373686825047159476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7426828157722447087.post-35736239187431541262016-03-30T14:11:17.248+11:002016-03-30T14:11:17.248+11:00Good on you. Disagree with 95% of what you've ...Good on you. Disagree with 95% of what you've said, but thanks for sharing. I guess perhaps different world views, values base, or historic anchors? Technical aspects could've been improved, but the story line hits all the right notes considering the migration history of the Samoan diaspora, contemporary NZ Samoan issues, and desire for cultural affiliation. This movie continues the Samoan tradition of faleaitu or comedy acts and uses it to full impact. Might not appeal to the general public or follow universal themes, but it hits the right spot for Samoans (and other Pacific communities) many times over.FreshyNZhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10952781061495798130noreply@blogger.com