“What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?” is a 1999 movie that continues the story of Jake Heke, a Maori man struggling to escape his violent past and find redemption. He tries to recover from his alcoholism while dealing with his family problems, and eventually discovers that despite their differences, he and his estranged wife are still connected. The movie portrays the harsh realities of New Zealand’s underbelly in vivid detail, delivering a powerful message about the human capacity for change.
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Review
As I write this article about the movie “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?”, my mind keeps going back to one key factor that made this film stand out to me: its ability to make me feel deeply.
Robert Cialdini, a social psychologist, once said that emotions are a powerful tool for persuasion. In this case, “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?” truly strikes a chord with its audience by using emotions in its storyline, plot, characters and dialogue.
In 1994, New Zealand director Ian Mune brought Alan Duff’s novel to life on the big screen. The story is centered around Jake “The Muss” Heke (played by Temuera Morrison), a Maori man struggling with alcoholism and domestic violence. His wife has left him and he is fighting for custody of his children.
The plot takes us through Jake’s life as he tries to reclaim his family and build a better future for them. Meanwhile, his brother-in-law Tania (played by Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell), who was sexually assaulted by an authority figure as a child, is trying to come to terms with her own trauma and finds solace in a new romance.
The film tackles heavy themes such as abuse, addiction, poverty and racism. Yet it also shows moments of hope and humanity. This balance makes it both realistic and relatable.
Filming took place in New Zealand’s North Island locations such as Auckland, Waitakere City and Coromandel. The cinematography captures some beautiful shots of the New Zealand landscapes while also emphasizing the characters’ gritty reality.
One memorable scene includes a flashback of Tania’s assault where she finally confronts her abuser while singing along to Aretha Franklin’s “Respect”. This scene is powerful because it shows Tania taking control of her own narrative while also demonstrating how music can be used as an emotional trigger.
The film’s score was composed by Murray Grindlay and features a mix of Maori music and modern tracks such as Crowded House’s “Don’t Dream It’s Over”. This blend represents the cultural diversity present in New Zealand.
On top of its emotionally charged storyline, one of the film’s biggest strengths lies in its excellent performances. Morrison delivers a complex portrayal of Jake, showing us both his violent outbursts and moments of vulnerability. Kerr-Bell’s Tania is also a standout, conveying layers of pain through her eyes without needing any dialogue.
The film was critically acclaimed upon its release, winning numerous awards including Best Film at the New Zealand Film and TV Awards. It also received international recognition, gaining selection for the 1996 Cannes Film Festival.
However, not everyone was impressed with the film. Some critics felt it perpetuated negative stereotypes about Maori people while others thought it didn’t do enough to address these issues.
As with any art form, there will always be varying opinions and interpretations. Yet what is undeniable is that “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?” left an impact on its audience that has lasted beyond its initial release.
To this day, people are still talking about this film and how it touched them. Whether it be through its powerful message or memorable characters, “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?” has become a classic in New Zealand cinema that continues to evoke strong emotions from those who watch it.
In conclusion, Robert Cialdini’s theory on emotions proved true when it comes to “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?”. The use of powerful emotions throughout the movie made it one for audiences to remember. Though they tackled heavy themes throughout their film, they did it with great cinematography allowing for some great shots along with some great performances from their actors like Temuera Morrison who played Jake “The Muss” Heke excellently. Their approach was well received as they won many awards including Best Film at the New Zealand Film and TV Awards, further cementing their impact on their audience, becoming a classic in New Zealand cinema to this day.
Technical Data
- Release : 1999-05-27
- Runtime : 108
- Genre : Drama
- Cast : Temuera Morrison as Jake Heke, Rena Owen as Beth Heke, Clint Eruera as Sonny Heke, Nancy Brunning as Tania Rogers, Pete Smith as Apeman
- Crew : Michael Horton as Editor, Ian Mune as Director, Alan Duff as Writer, Don Selwyn as Casting, Pauline Bowkett as Costume Design
- Revenue : 0
- Budget : 0
- Company :
- Popularity : 6.965
- Summary : Five years have passed and Jake has turned his back on his family. He’s still up to his usual tricks in McClutchy’s Bar, unaware, as he downs his latest opponent, that his eldest son, Nig, has died in a gang fight. The uncomfortable family reunion at Nig’s funeral sparks a confrontation with second son, Sonny, and sets Jake and Sonny on a downward spiral.
- Tagline : Once they were warriors. Men of Honour. Now five years on one man’s battle has only just begun.
