Scarfies
Scarfies | |
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![]() Theatrical release poster | |
Directed by | Robert Sarkies |
Written by | Duncan Sarkies Robert Sarkies |
Produced by | Lisa Chatfield |
Starring | Willa O'Neill Neill Rea Ashleigh Seagar Taika Cohen Charlie Bleakley Jon Brazier Mark Neilson |
Cinematography | Stephen Downes |
Edited by | Annie Collins |
Distributed by | Becker Entertainment |
Release date |
|
Running time | 100 minutes |
Country | New Zealand |
Language | English |
Budget | $2 million |
Scarfies(released asCrime 101in the United States) is a 1999 New Zealandblack comedyfilm set in the southernuniversity cityofDunedin.The film's original title comes from the local nickname for university students,scarfie,so called because of the traditional blue and gold scarves worn by students during the city's cool winters in support of theOtago Rugby Football Union.
Plot
[edit]Scarfiesstarts off as a light comedy centred on a group of five students who get together after moving into a flat that is seemingly abandoned, but still has the power on, making it a free but filthy accommodation.
The inadvertent discovery of a large crop of marijuana being grown in the basement leads to euphoria among the students. Dreams of financial freedom among them overtake paranoia about the ethics and the risks, and the students foolishly sell the entire crop for $50,000 (as much as $200,000 less than it is worth). When Kevin, the crop's owner appears, the students fear for their lives and lock him in the basement. Events unfold against a backdrop of the city's biggest sporting event for years, the final of New Zealand'snational rugby championship.
Cast
[edit]- Willa O'Neillas Emma
- Neill Reaas Scott
- Ashleigh Seagar as Nicola
- Taika Cohenas Alex
- Charlie Bleakley as Graham
- Jon Brazier as Kevin
- Mark Neilson as Gordy
Production
[edit]Despite the deliberate use of shots focusing on the city's dowdier and darker elements, much of the film's photography and soundtrack is an homage to the city, including the use of severalDunedin soundsongs in the soundtrack (top local bandThe Cleaneven make a cameo appearance during the film).
The film initially had a small production budget of $250,000, but later received an additional $1.6 million in funding from theNew Zealand Film Commission.[1]
Reception
[edit]Scarfieswas well-received, described as"...the most outlandishly entertaining New Zealand film for years...",[2]and did well at the box-office.[3]
Soundtrack
[edit]- Save My Life–Bike
- Outer Space–3Ds
- George–Headless Chickens
- Doledrums–The Chills
- Let There Be Love–JPS Experience
- Tally Ho–The Clean
- Suck–Love's Ugly Children
- Cactus Cat–Look Blue Go Purple
- Gaze– Bike
- Randolph's Going Home–Shayne CarterandPeter Jefferies
- Death and the Maiden–The Verlaines
- She Speeds–Straitjacket Fits
- Grey Parade– JPS Experience
References
[edit]- ^"Scarfies: The Film That Gave Taika Waititi His Big Break".Critic – Te Arohi.Retrieved29 March2018.
- ^Baillie, Russell (31 July 1999)."Scarfies".The New Zealand Herald.Retrieved7 November2011.
- ^Beston, Anne (26 February 2005)."Audiences spooked as film flops".The New Zealand Herald.Retrieved7 November2011.
External links
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