This Way of Life

This Way of Life is a gripping, heartfelt 2009 documentary that acts as a thought-provoking exploration of lifestyles, values, and the inescapable bond of family. The movie stars Maori cowboy Peter Karena, his wife Colleen, and their six children. The family, including 16-year-old Llewelyn Ottley-Karena, lives against the spectacular ruin-and-recovery backdrop of New Zealand's Ruahine Mountains, taking the audience on a remarkable journey through their lives.

Directed by Thomas Burstyn, the film does more than just highlight the simple, nomadic existence of a family that subsists on hunting and horse breeding. It delves into the humanity of its subjects, sharing their trials, successes, and the principles that govern their lives. This Way of Life gives us an up-close and personal look into the Karena family's internal dynamics and how they interact with the world around them.

The family patriarch, Peter Karena, embodies the spirit of an age-old way of living that truly cherishes simplicity in a world increasingly filled with complexity. He is a dreamer, yet grounded, living by his values of family, freedom, and connection to the land. He comes across not only as an endearing father figure but also a philosopher, imparting wisdom about life, love, and what it means to be free.

Alongside Peter, his wife Colleen offers an equally compelling narrative as a devoted partner and mother. Her character offers the audience a glimpse of quiet strength, resilience, and the capability to sustain an alternative way of life against the harsh conditions she faces. In their children, notably, Llewelyn, we see curiosity, energy, and an intrinsic appreciation for their nomadic lifestyle: they stand as the future generation of this ruggedly individual way of life.

This Way of Life uncovers the struggles that the Karena family face, dealing with societal norms and conflicting beliefs, while also revealing the countless joys and rewards of their chosen lifestyle. The film's provocative narrative constantly juxtaposes the tranquility of the family's existence with the tumultuous relationships and confrontations they face, challenging our beliefs and values along the way.

One key theme that resonates throughout the movie is the deep appreciation the family has towards nature. They teach their children hunting, horse riding, and other survival skills necessary for them to navigate life in the wilderness, creating a bond not only among the family but also with the land and animals around them. This involves tough love at times, while at others it results in joyous celebration, across a life far removed from the usual urban upbringing most are acquainted with.

Every frame of the movie presents a strikingly beautiful snapshot of New Zealand. The landscape is depicted with such a raw yet tender gaze, blending effortlessly with the intimate narrative. The beauty of the natural landscapes, the wide-open spaces and high mountains, captivates and teems with life, making it an integral part of the movie’s charm.

The cinematography by Thomas Burstyn is lyrical in its vision, which underscores the film's emotional depth. His lens captures every moment, from intimate bonding to thrilling horse rides with a poetic grandeur. Every encounter and every word spoken seems to hold profound value and imparts a transcendent quality to the cinematic experience.

This Way of Life is not just a documentary but a heartwarming and engaging examination of an alternative lifestyle that prompts the audience to think about what truly matters in life. It pushes the viewer to ask themselves how one defines their boundaries, lives with nature, manages conflict, stands up for what one believes in, and above all, how deeply can one love.

This movie's magic lies in the obedient and poetic honesty with which it is presented. At its core, This Way of Life is a love letter of sorts to the endurance and tenacity of the human spirit, telling us a story about hope, resilience, and familial bonds in a manner as wild and beautiful as the land it is filmed on.

In essence, This Way of Life is a genuinely insightful, mesmerizing, and engrossing documentary. Through the lens of one family’s story, it becomes a study in the authenticity of human nature, the challenges, and rewards of standing true to oneself. It is a film that powerfully resonates, remaining with the viewer long after its running time has come to an end.