There’s an itching question on the back of all our minds when we’re watching a homegrown movie: Is the clothing going to reflect what it’s like to be a New Zealander? Will the international market laugh in the face of what we think is cool to wear? With this question in mind, the best bet is to watch Hunt For the Wilderpeople. After all, everyone knows Taika Waititi and it’s still our biggest movie yet.
Ricky Baker’s attire is the one that’s definitely aged the worst. Surprisingly so, as you’d think baseball caps and double hoodies would be the rage. Yet even within Auckland teens, the go-to clothing is simpler these days and they often have just a shirt and jacket, god forbid a full-blown hat. Ricky’s colours suit his character, but I’d be darned if they fit by today’s standards. What is surprising is Rhys Darby and Sam Neill’s bushmen get up being quite accurate to some Kiwi folk. Who hasn’t seen a middle-aged man wearing flannels, big boots, and scruffy beards a plenty? I’m sure one of your uncles has this spare in his closet ready at all times.
Waititi provided the international audiences a somewhat accurate flair to NZ fashion, albeit with some nit-picks.