Watch Come On Children

Come On Children is a New Zealand film from 1973 that tells the story of a group of teenagers who venture out on a week-long hiking trip through the rugged and remote terrain of the country's West Coast. The film follows the adventures of six young people - Peter, Gloria, Frank, George, John, and Blue - as they set out for their journey with nothing more than their backpacks and their camping gear. Along the way, they face a series of challenges and obstacles that test their resilience, their courage, and their ability to work together as a team.

One of the most striking things about Come On Children is its naturalistic approach to storytelling. Director Allanah James takes advantage of the stunning landscape to create a sense of isolation and danger that permeates the entire film. The teenagers are truly on their own in this wilderness, and the film does an excellent job of conveying the sheer scale and unforgiving nature of the environment they are navigating.

Another standout aspect of the film is its use of non-professional actors. The cast - made up of Alan Dunikowsky, Ken Gibbs, John Hamilton, and three others - were all teenagers from the area where the film was shot who had no acting experience. While this approach could have easily led to wooden or unconvincing performances, the opposite is true. The six leads are all entirely believable in their roles, and their natural chemistry on screen makes it easy for the audience to invest in their journey.

Despite its focus on a group of teenagers, Come On Children is not a simplistic or shallow film. The issues that the characters face - such as navigating complicated relationships, dealing with betrayal, and figuring out who they are and what they want to do with their lives - are universal and relatable. The film avoids descending into melodrama, instead opting for a more measured and authentic tone that feels true to life.

The film's pacing is also something to behold. Director Allanah James takes her time with each scene, allowing the interactions between the characters to unfold organically. The hiking sequences are also given ample room to breathe, with shots of the group traversing the rugged terrain intercut with moments of quiet contemplation or humorous interactions. This approach means that the film's climactic moments pack a particularly powerful punch, as the audience is fully invested in the characters and their journey.

Many critics at the time praised Come On Children for being a refreshing change of pace from the more formulaic and commercial films that were being produced at the time. The film's commitment to authenticity and its unflinching depiction of teenage life struck a chord with audiences, leading to its success both at home in New Zealand and internationally.

Overall, Come On Children is a beautifully shot and emotionally resonant film that captures the unique spirit of a group of young people venturing out into the unknown. Featuring strong performances from its non-professional cast and a strong sense of place, the film is a testament to the power of slow-burning storytelling and the importance of authenticity in filmmaking.