Cousins

What’s it about?

Three cousins, who are bound together by love and hope, are separated for decades all leading very different but hard lives. One of them is taken from her family and sent to an orphanage, which is the start of the significant trauma she experiences throughout her life.

The film includes strong themes of racism, inequality and loss, as well as the importance of whānau and identity. The film speaks to the stolen generations, the Māori tamariki taken from their whānau in Aotearoa.

The facts

• Directed by Ainsley Gardiner and Briar Grace Smith
• English and Māori languages
• Runtime: 94 minutes
• Based on the book Cousins by Patricia Grace

Why did it get this rating?

This film was rated by the Film and Video Labelling Body. You can find out more about cross-rating here.

Offensive language

There is some use of offensive language including words such as “bitch”.

Further information

‘Cousins’ Review: The Ties That Bind

Cousins: Why this lovingly crafted Kiwi drama demands your attention

Yes, we are the Stolen Generations