Broken English

About This Movie

So, 'Broken English' from '96 is a pretty raw piece that dives into the lives of Croatian refugees in Auckland, which you don’t see every day. You’ve got this intense family dynamic with Ivan, the patriarch, who really embodies the struggles of his past. Nina, his daughter, is looking to break free, and the tension with her father is palpable throughout. The pacing is deliberate, really allowing you to soak in the atmosphere of both the restaurant setting and their home life. Eddie, the Maori lover, adds another layer, and the cultural intersections are handled well. Performances here are intense, especially from the leads. It’s low-key but packs a punch with its themes of identity and belonging, which makes it stand out in the drama/romance genre.

Explores themes of identity and belongingStrong family dynamicsUnique cultural perspective