Customer Reviews

Samoan Wedding

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Sione is getting married. He has decided that he does not want his brother Michael, and his three party-boys mates, to attend.
They have nearly ruined every wedding they have attended. But they are given a chance to attend - they must bring real girl-friends,
not party-girls, to the wedding and they have one month to pull it together. This comedy set in Auckland about first generation Samoan
New Zealanders, starts a bit slow, but by the time of the wedding, it gains speed and really becomes the urban romantic comedy it is
meant to be. If you are not Samoan, nor familiar with Samoan New Zealanders, you might not appreciate the inside humour, but
the writing and acting is good enough to make this light-hearted romp a winner for most. Recommended.

This movie is a MUST watch for anyone who has any experience with the Samoan culture. It's not a complete look at Samoan life, but it's a fun comedy with Samoan flare. It leaves you reminiscent for the islands, even though the film takes place in New Zealand.

The original name of this movie is Sione's Wedding, but the name was changed for US release. The basic plot synopsis is that four best friends are banned from Sione's wedding because of all the trouble they cause at any public event they attend. Sione is the brother of Michael, one of the main characters and former best man. The men come to the conclusion that the reason they always misbehave is because they hang out with each other and never bring dates. They make a deal to be allowed at the wedding IF they can find real girlfriends to bring, not just girls stupid enough to say yes to free food and a night out on the town.

Even if you thought "Samoa" was a war-torn country in Africa (it's not), this is a movie that anyone who likes to laugh will enjoy. Of course there are a lot of jokes made even funnier if you if you have ever lived in Samoa or been around Samoans.

Derek: T, sup girl. Sole, malo man.
Albert: Who you calling "sole"?
Derek: Hound dog in the fale.
Albert: Derek start speaking your own language, you come from Glenfield.

This movie is hilarious! Well worth seeing... only, I saw this in theaters while in New Zealand. And it could just be nostalgia, but I must say that the US release screwed things up by re-naming it Samoan Wedding.

It rather stereotypes Samoan culture and doesn't represent the movie well at all! Considering Sione's Wedding is more about the antics of 4 Auckland guys who try to get on Sione's guest list... and not Samoan culture. The actors are perfect, as well. They are really funny and have the timing down pat. If you've ever seen BroTown (a cartoon from New Zealand similar to South Park but not as brash) then you'll know what kind of humor I'm talking about.

Overall, great movie! But PLEASE call it Sione's Wedding!!

I really enjoyed this film, and discovered I did really after a few watchings. I have to admit and preface though, I'm completely fascinated by all things Polynesia, including the various cultures. If you don't share this interest, you might not enjoy. In short, the movie tells the story of 4 Samoan guys (living in New Zealand) who are part of a large, yet intensely tight Samoan community. These 4 guys are playful, yet ignorant to the effect their antics have on their families, which leads to them being banned (by the community elder/priest) from attending any future weddings. The rest of the movie revolves around them trying be good, find girlfriends and thereby regain permission.

If I weren't so interested in all things Polynesia, I'd probably say the acting and story are subpar. In actuality, they are, but in my experience, one element that a viewer finds intriguing can be enough to turn a would-be failure into a personal favorite. Not sure this is a would-be failure, but its certainly not an outstanding movie. Nonetheless, there are some very funny moments and some actually heart touching ones as well, all done within Samoan culture. If any of this sounds appealing, you might like.

I saw this movie at a film festival and I have to say that it's good to finally see a movie from an ethnic male's point of view. The story is about four guys who are into hip-hop, women, and hanging with the fellas. What makes this movie is this look into Samoan-New Zealand culture and how males in that culture deal with the pressures from mainstream society and their own community on issues of dating, sex, commitment, etc. The only time we get to see something like this is in U.S. movies like "The Wood", "Hanging with the Homeboys", most recently "Better Luck Tomorrow". So I recommend this movie because it's good to see how other folks around the world deal with the same issues and more than anything it's good to see a movie with an all ethnic cast that has a positive message. Plus if you were thinking about a place to travel, you want to go to Auckland after watching this movie.

I got this movie one late night on a whim, expecting it to be little better than a home movie. I was, however, pleasantly suprised. Being African-American, I know a very little about Samoan culture. I did not think that I could relate to anything in the movie. However there seem to be a lot of similarities between Samoan culture and African-American culture, and, dare I say, that it seems that in part Polynesians are heavily influenced by movies, music, dress, and dance from black Americans.

The story is simple, but enjoyable. Robbie Magasiva is very, very cute! I don't think that I have ever seen a movie with him in it, or any other Samoan (Wait, is the Rock Samoan?). There are also some jokes that I did not understand ( I guess that you have to be from New Zealand to get those). Anyway, you won't be sorry that you got this movie, even if you do not understand the jokes and did I mention that Robbie Magasiva is very, very cute.

Love the movie. Pity the DVD wasn't to standard was very grainy in parts. But overall great for a laugh

Product was received in great condition and QUICK! Item was received a week and a half earlier than anticipated and greatly appreciated!

Some of the reviewers have commented that if they were into Samoan culture they might be more interested in this movie. This is more than a little insulting since few would argue that you need to be white to enjoy a movie centered around a caucasian wedding celebration like Father of the Bride. I happen to be of Pacific Islander heritage but I doubt this had anything to do with enjoying this movie.
The film centers around a group of single men who are reluctant to abandon their single party life and settle down or at least act like respectable wedding guests. Most Hollywood films about guys and weddings are about abject lewdness and debauchery as in the Hangover. Samoan Wedding however, focuses on the conflict between the guys' desire to support their good friend on his wedding day and their reluctance to grow up. This is a theme I'm sure many men can relate to given that in most western cultures young people are encouraged to pursue their own interests and education and statistically people are marrying and starting families much later in life than any other time in history. Although this film is peppered with it's share of drinking and sexual exploits the thing that stands out most is the boys growth in varying degrees into maturity.
This isn't an over the top Hollywood comedy. It has a lot of heart and the more subdued and realistic comedic situations typical in independent movies. It may take a little bit of effort to adjust to the dialogue which is particular to New Zealand Samoans along with the boys own brand of slang. I've rented this movie at least 3 times which led my husband to suggest that I finally buy it on dvd.

I am from NZ but live in the US. I had been wanting to see this movie for a couple of years and finally my hubby surprised me by buying it from my wish list. So I watched it, and though I think the story and acting, and in fact the movie overall are somewhat lacking, I loved it! I literally laughed out loud through the whole thing. Coming from NZ and having a lot to do with the Polynesian community, I found it to be hilarious. I think if I wasn't 'in' on the jokes, it would only be mildly funny.