We Were Dangerous

What’s it about?

In 1954 New Zealand, Nellie and Daisy attempt to escape an institution for delinquent girls, however not only are they caught, it triggers a relocation to a facility on a remote island. The duo become a trio as well-to-do Lou joins them, and life on the island takes shape under the command of the devout Matron.

The facts 

• Directed by Josephine Steward-Te Whiu
• Taika Waititi is on the list of executive directors for this film
• English language
• Runtime: 82 minutes
• Filmed on Ōtamahua Island in the South Island
• We Were Dangerous opened the 2024 Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival in several locations including Wellington, Auckland and Dunedin

Why did it get this rating? 

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

Offensive language

One of the characters in a fit of anger swears at the Matron by saying ‘f*ck you’. This is the strongest instance of language and is brief and designed to shock.

Violence

A character has her ponytail forcibly cut off as punishment by the Matron. 

One of the students slaps a fellow student across the face. It is a shocking moment. She is then taken outside and doused in cold water as punishment.

Content that may disturb

We see two characters make Molotov cocktails in preparation for burning down an empty building: we see them collecting the elements required, making the ‘cocktails’, and then lighting and throwing them into the empty hut. We see the hut burn down.

The film delicately handles the topic of female sterilization. While we don’t see operations being performed, the characters suspect something is going on. We see girls being taken into the medical hut, and a surgeon later stepping outside with blood on his apron. One of the characters finds documents about female fertility and sterilization. 

The film tells the story of young girls removed from their homes because they were considered naughty or delinquents. Some are removed from their communities because of pregnancies outside of wedlock. This is briefly mentioned, and we do not see the consequences of this.

Helplines:

While the film delicately handles some big topics such as institutional abuse and female sterilization, some viewers may find the subject matter upsetting, especially for those who have suffered abuse themselves. If you are struggling with what you have seen on-screen please reach out for help. If you or someone you know needs to talk:

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information 

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?