Waititi's filmography evokes a special kind of joy when centering on the cultures within Oceania, giving delightfully humourous insights into Maori, Pasifika, and in this case, Polynesian populations. Next Goal Wins is no different, delivering the heart-warming and hilarious true story of the world's worst football team, America Samoa, seeking it's first ever goal.
Familiar faces crop up in the cast as wonderfully endearing characters take the spotlight, transforming the harsh outsider through their kindness. This arc is carried through by a mixture of daft dialogue, emotional subplots, and the occasional slapstick. The film is very much a comedy, but as is often the case in Waititi's work, it packs an emotional punch to add drama into a sports film that doesn't require sporting fandom to enjoy.
The portrayal of Jaiyah, who is fa'afafine, adds to the rich depth of the plot. Having Kaimana, who is also fa'afafine, play the character is also a welcome addition, respecting the culture on display. If anything, Waititi's own character, a zany priest not dissimilar to that of his in Hunt For The Wildepeople, is the only one that doesn't land as well as others in what is a roster of silly, but still believable, characters. In fairness, though, that narration role is very light.
Visually it is stunning, no small thanks to the location, and familiar music mixed in with native hymns creates a nice soundtrack adding to the soothing atmosphere created. Next Goal Wins a whole lot of fun for the whole family, but it's draw goes beyond that of just comedy.
Familiar faces crop up in the cast as wonderfully endearing characters take the spotlight, transforming the harsh outsider through their kindness. This arc is carried through by a mixture of daft dialogue, emotional subplots, and the occasional slapstick. The film is very much a comedy, but as is often the case in Waititi's work, it packs an emotional punch to add drama into a sports film that doesn't require sporting fandom to enjoy.
The portrayal of Jaiyah, who is fa'afafine, adds to the rich depth of the plot. Having Kaimana, who is also fa'afafine, play the character is also a welcome addition, respecting the culture on display. If anything, Waititi's own character, a zany priest not dissimilar to that of his in Hunt For The Wildepeople, is the only one that doesn't land as well as others in what is a roster of silly, but still believable, characters. In fairness, though, that narration role is very light.
Visually it is stunning, no small thanks to the location, and familiar music mixed in with native hymns creates a nice soundtrack adding to the soothing atmosphere created. Next Goal Wins a whole lot of fun for the whole family, but it's draw goes beyond that of just comedy.