Hunt for the Wilderpeople turns 10

A decade after the release of the iconic movie, we still speak ‘Wilderpeople’ at our house.

At some stage every week, I'll ask my son and/or dog, "Do you want some sausages, bruh?" in a terrible accent.

It's not the line most people quote when they talk about Taika Waititi's cult film, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, but it's the one us sausage-lovers we most relate to.

It happens when 'fugitive' child Ricky Baker escapes the foster system, and is pursued by both the authorities, some baddies, and Hector, his foster dad, played by the great Sam Neill, in one of his most-loved performances.

The film is devastating in a few ways, and yet, it's constantly devastatingly funny. 

Director Waititi (also of iconic Boy fame) has recently been talking about the film's anniversary with media; but undoubtedly the sweetest interview I've seen is his chat with creator Jamaal Burkmar.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Taika Waititi (@taikawaititi)

Speaking to Burkmar, Waititi says about film-making, "I've had to be selective… I love making movies, and I could say, screw the man, I'm not making movies for Hollywood, but it's pretty fun.

“You can find a way to do it where it's fun and doesn't compromise your beliefs… You can still do things that align with your values."

@jamaalburkmar

The 10th anniversary release of Hunt for the Wilderpeople in 4k, is in cinemas & digital platforms 7 August, with UHD & Blu-ray editions on 17 August.

♬ original sound - Jamaal Burkmar

It's incredible advice from the writer/producer/director, and not to take away from that, but the TikTok clip of the interview begins quite differently.

It shows Waititi mock screaming at Burkmar in a slightly unhinged moment, “I come from a broken home, what do you want from me?!”

Burkmar then explains in real time, “Doesn't matter what I do in this app, no one can ever take that away from me. Very happy about.”

That statement shows exactly how revered Waititi is in the industry and by fans.

It's that very unique sense of humour that has made Waititi so popular as an individual, and so talented at making meaningful/bloody hilarious films.

Hunt for the Wilderpeople is really an honour to watch and remains as relevant as it was when it was made. You can catch screenings at the moment in cinemas celebrating its 10th birthday.