Filmmaker Florian Habicht (Pulp, Kaikohe Demolition) follows the lives of a tohunga (shaman) and his 99-year-old mother as she nears a...
Filmmaker Florian Habicht (Pulp, Kaikohe Demolition) follows the lives of a tohunga (shaman) and his 99-year-old mother as she nears a century on Earth.
Isey lives with her adult son James on their small farm in Kawakawa. They are descendants of Ngāti Manu – the Bird People. Isey is turning 100 years in a week. In their unique relationship, James has devoted the last 20 years to looking after his mum and bringing the spirit world onboard to get her over 100.
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Where to watch James & Isey
100 %5 reviewsRotten Tomatoes® rating
"Prepare to fall in love. And, most likely, prepare to come away from James & Isey with a multitude of unanswered questions. Traditionally that might be construed as a criticism of a documentary—in the case of Florian Habicht’s latest film, it reflects how the ever-enjoyably idiosyncratic filmmaker’s eye for documentary subjects, knack for getting them to be at ease on at the business end of a camera, and attitude towards what should make the final cut (never has a grown man struggling to open a well-taped parcel been richer in drama, for instance) all combine for a singular look into the lives of an intriguing, incredibly lovable mother and son."
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Flicks
Flicks"Not only is a Kiwi gem, it's the perfect Mother's Day movie."
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Newshub
Newshub"An aroha-filled, sentiment-free joy."
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Stuff
Stuff"Reliably, Habicht presents a composed, artful aesthetic."
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New Zealand Herald
New Zealand HeraldJames & Isey | Details
- Runtime
- 91
- Genre
- Documentary
- Country of origin
- New Zealand
