What Do The Critics Say?

"Like Australia, New Zealand specialises in small, low-budget films. While the quirky comedy is our strong suit, the domestic drama dominates across the Tasman. Made in 2008, "Second Hand Wedding" is a low-budget heart-warming film about the Rose family who live on the beautiful Kapiti Coast outside Wellington. Jill and Brian are happily married. Indeed, it is refreshing to see such a happy couple portrayed on the big screen. Given that Australians now spend an average of $39,000 on a wedding, "Second Hand Wedding" might be a portent of things to come." Richard Leonard CATHNEWS "The Kiwis are good at doing small, low-key, quirky films (think "Sione’s Wedding", "No 2", "The Strength of Water") as well as the Peter Jackson blockbusters. "Second Hand Wedding" sits fair and square in the quirky department and its plot is unfortunately just a bit too predictable. But that said, it is a really sweet film anchored firmly in its 'down to earth' and likeable characters, Jill in particular. Emotion makes it a warm, albeit lightweight, story to enjoy. And any John Rowles fans. look out for when he first makes an appearance, something that is unexpected!" Sharon Hurst CINEPHILLIA "The suburban world of Second Hand Wedding is sweet and kind and very, very nice. No matter the problem it can be solved with a few kind words and a cuppa tea; it’s the kind of picture marketeers once called 'heart-warming'. Shot on the Kapiti coast in New Zealand a couple of years ago, it’s a piece of Kiwiana, built around a few slight in-jokes about small-time life and the local's love of kitsch. All of the large key cast play with great sincerity and the movie’s big emotional climaxes are consequently delivered with a whopping punch to the heart." Peter Galvin SBS FILMS

"A delightfully charming but bittersweet comedy drama from New Zealand, "Second-Hand Wedding" deals with themes and situations that have universal appeal. Writer Nick Ward has drawn upon his own personal experiences and family history for his colourful characters and clever script. The film is full of sly humour and packed with incident, and Murphy keeps things moving along at a nice pace. The characters are real, warm, and three-dimensional, and are superbly fleshed out by the ensemble cast." FILMREVIEWS.NET.AU "The broadly drawn supporting characters are pure television, and the premise is a bit silly but it's apparently based on a true story, and it all comes together nicely in the end. Brophy usually lifts things when they start to sag, however, and although not quite her match, the other central players are good. "Second Hand Wedding" is not brilliant, but its enjoyable moments outweigh its drowsier segments. It takes you to the feel-good place that it was shooting for." Annette Basile FILMINK "Second Hand Wedding is a telemovie sized film that holds up on the big screen thanks largely to the two standout performances of Geraldine Brophy as Jill and Holly Shanahan as her daughter Cheryl. Both create such tangible characters and deliver the film's emotional payoff with such sincerity that they burn their mark into our cinematic memory." Andrew L Urban URBAN CINEFILE "A sweet film that toys with relationships, passions and bargains. Uplifting and enjoyable enough for the undemanding, "Second Hand Wedding" takes its unique premise and allows it to take flight; especially in its final scenes, when all the story strands meld as the characters show their true colours." Louise Keller URBAN CINEFILE

The Inside Story "Every mother wants the best for her daughter’s wedding. And if it’s second-hand it doesn’t mean second best: does it?" This idea is key to the dilemma that faces the central character in "Second-Hand Wedding". Loved and respected by friends and family, Jill Rose is a gifted amateur when it comes to laying her hands on a bargain; she’s never had to pay full price for anything and she’s very proud of this fact. "The trouble is Jill’s stuff is getting in the way of her ability to see clearly as to what is going on around her," says producer Kerry Robins ("Utu"). "This has a big impact on her family, particularly daughter Cheryl." While Jill wants the best for everyone in her family, she loves her beautiful and practical objects too; suddenly she has to make a choice. Director Paul Murphy (key grip on films such as "The Lord of the Rings Trilogy" and "King Kong") has already been described as an actor’s director and the rich characters in the story gave him ample room to hone his talent. "What got me excited about the project was the initial script Nick Ward had written and the opportunity to cast and work with seasoned New Zealand actors who know their craft and can bring layers to the characters they’re playing." The filmmakers believe the roles "Second-HandD Wedding" gave the cast will stand out in their careers for years to come. A cameo appearance by crooner John Rowles (playing himself) adds another kiwi icon to a film that’s chock full of them. "The story is warm and affectionate, it is unique in the fact that it has no barrow to push (except those that are full of bargains), the characters are unpretentious, happily living in their slice of paradise," says 2001 New Zealand Film and TV Awards, Film Award winner Nick Ward ("Stickmen"). Director, Paul Murphy says "With a great script, great cast and awesome crew we had a lot of fun bringing this story to life and I believe the film reflects that." Casting Agent Tina Cleary ("The Lord of the Rings Trilogy") said of the spirit Paul Murphy created during the shoot "this is the only film I have ever worked on where actors have come up to me on set to say ‘Thank you for casting me in this film’ because they were enjoying the experience so much. It was pretty much the right people in the right place at the right time as they all gelled and you see it in their performances on screen." Co-Producer Nigel Stanford says "the characters in our film are very real and for many, they will be easily identified as they exist within families. The relationship between Jill & Cheryl will resonate with many mothers and daughters as they are so finely drawn and beautifully portrayed." Production Designer, Brad Mill ("The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep") notes, "While it’s set in the now, stylistically "Second-Hand Wedding" draws on kiwiana from many eras. Stuff that’s beautiful and useful is piled up everywhere in the Rose home and at the garage sales Jill and Muffy frequent. 'Prop heavy' is the way I’d describe it. The great thing was that we didn’t have far to go to find them." Art Director Gim Bon ("The Handover") revealed, "Nick Ward’s mother Gill has a huge collection and we took four van loads of her stuff to dress the key location which happened to be Linda Niccols actual home! Linda is a keen collector too, so many of her treasures are props in the film as they merged with Gill’s collection so well. Ken Saville, Brian Ward (Nick’s father) and Eion Abernethy provided the garage dressing" Despite trying to archive and record all of the props there are still things which haven't found their original home!" Playwright, director, actor and 2008 New Zealand Film and TV Awards, Film Award winner Geraldine Brophy ("Second-hand Wedding") was attracted to the role of Jill because it offered the opportunity to play a middle-aged woman free from the usual clichés. "Jill isn’t going through menopause, she’s not unhappy or partner-less: she’s not searching for something. She’s having a damn good time! Jill is emotionally complex. Any comedy that occurs is a natural part of the events of every day life as she goes about solving her problems." Patrick Wilson, who played Detective Skinner in the multi award winning film, "Savage Honeymoon" (2000) says, "Playing Brian was an extra responsibility. As he’s based on a real person, who I met during filming I felt I had to honour him. Brian is a quiet hero and a clear thinker and I wanted to be true to that." Holly Shanahan ("Power Rangers Mystic Force") says of her role, "Cheryl starts off as a fairly simple, down to earth woman but as the story unfolds she has to confront issues she’s had since childhood. Whether she is equipped to deal with them and how she does, is what makes her character challenging." Ryan O’Kane ("Out of the Blue") says his character Stew "is a really juicy character. The role has a mix of humour and emotion but playing any scene with Grant Roa (Charlie) and Jed Brophy (Waz) made it very hard to keep a straight face during filming." Tina Cook ("Fog") found playing Sugarpuff (Waz’s larger than life sweetheart) a challenge in that she had to find her equilibrium. "I have worked more in theatre and radio so found a film a little intimidating. There’s less rehearsal time or chances to research the character. Luckily the gorgeous Jed was very generous and we managed to get time to run through our scenes together. I quickly got into the rhythm of the other garage guys too. Sugarpuff was a delightful part: I could have played her in a more malicious way but decided although she was loud and ‘in your face’ she was totally happy with herself and where she was in life." Local Kapiti actors Tina Regtien ("Dead Alive" & "The Last Great Snail Chase"), Jed Brophy ("Fracture" & "King Kong") and Vivienne Bell ("Seekers") got the chance to play in their own backyard. "Great script, cast and crew, Paul has a lot to offer the New Zealand film industry," says Jed Brophy ("District 9"), "I hope this is the first of many films set on the coast because it offers such a variety of locations." Jed says he modelled Waz on the mechanics he had a lot to do with in his youth, down to earth. "Dad raced cars and so I spent a lot of time in and around them. Mechanics call a spanner a spanner: petrol is everything. In fact the guy whose garage we used to shoot in reminded me of my dad." Tina Regtien, who plays Jill’s loyal sidekick Muffy, notes: "We haven't had a female duo in New Zealand film for some time. I had a play around with the character to create a charmingly naïve, a sort of a female Mr Bean; humorously physical in her reactions to situations. If she’s excited she jumps up and down. The Muffy character is never cynical, even though I think there could well have been a sad love story back in her past, she likes to keep busy and relishes her chance to be part of the Rose family." Playing the part of bitter and twisted Gracie, the thorn in the side of Jill, Vivien Bell ("The Last Great Snail Chase") drew on her knowledge of teachers and the sometimes-spiteful nature of the school staffroom. "I had to play Gracie as jealous and resentful of Jill’s popularity and family life. Very sour grapes. Gill has everything Gracie doesn’t. Gracie’s a sad and somewhat lonely woman locked in her own little world." What's It All About?

Every mother wants the best for their daughter’s wedding. And second-hand doesn’t have to mean second best, does it? In a time when TradeMe and e-bay threaten the primeval urge for a first-hand crack at the second-hand, this story follows the fortunes of the Rose family, who live on the Kapiti Coast (just 40 minutes drive from central Wellington), where the sunsets are spectacular, parking is still free and bargains abound. Jill and Brian Rose are happily married and looking forward to their daughter, primary school teacher Cheryl, following in their footsteps when long-time boyfriend, mechanic Stew, proposes marriage. Clouds gather, however, when it becomes clear that Cheryl has issues with her mother’s voracious bargain hunting, which she fears will ruin her wedding. Covering up the truth has consequences for everyone involved. Will Cheryl get out of the hole she’s dug for herself?

The Verdict "Undemanding, down to earth, quirky: these are words that quickly spring to mind when describing "Second-hand Wedding". Well received in New Zealand where Geraldine Brophy and Holly Shanahan picked up the two major awards Best Actress and Supporting Actress in the Film division of the 2008 New Zealand Film and TV Awards. Brody is a face cinemagoers will recognize, having appeared in films such as "In My Father's Den", "King Kong", "The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep" and "Underworld: Rise of the Lycans": but the rest of the cast will go largely unrecognized. But that's not a bad sign. And don't let the fact that it's taken two years to make the short journey across the Tasman Sea, put you off. While there's no 'laugh out loud' comedy in the film, it is filled with wry humour and knowing moments that will bring a smile to your dial, or a tear to your eyes. 1970's- 80's recording star John Rowles, who had hits with "If I Only Had Time", "Hush-Not a Word to Mary", "Cheryl Moana Marie" has a cameo role which helps lift the film. Make sure you stay for the first part of the closing credits. Recommended. 3 1/2 STARS." The Production Team

Director Screenplay Story Producer Original Music Cinematography Film Editor Casting Production Design Art Direction Costume Design

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Paul Murphy Linda Niccol Nick Ward Paul Murphy Plan 9 Richard Bluck Michael Horton Tina Cleary Brad Mill Gim Bon Chris Pickard

Who Is Playing Who?

Geraldine Brophy Holly Shanahan Patrick Wilson Ryan O'Kane Tina Regtien Tina Cook Nick Blake Charlie Bleakley Vivien Bell Sheryl Pulsford Betty Perkins Errol Maffey Ian Johnstone Katie Musgrove Harley Neville Sylvia Rands Rachel Forman

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

Jill Rose Cheryl Rose Brian Rose Stew Muffy Sugarpuff Sign Stealer Martin Fisk Gracie Clarefield Nightmare Wedding Guest 1 Nightmare Wedding Guest 2 Nightmare Wedding Guest 3 Uncle Cyril Young Cheryl Young Brian Victoria Young Jill

Run Time 90 minutes Rated PG [AUST] Copyright ©2010 - Potential Films - All Rights Reserved ©1999-2010 The Movie Pages & impact Internet Services. All Rights Reserved. Protected by Australian and International Copyright. Trademark Laws and Intellectual Property Rights apply.