Student Work
Year 10 English
Belonging is challenging by Winter Dangerfield
In Taika Waititi’s film ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’, developing a sense of belonging can be challenging for the characters. This heartwarming movie follows the story of Ricky Baker and his found family as he escapes from the clutches of child welfare. As they stay hidden in the bush, a bond is formed between Ricky and his foster uncle, Hector, and two outcasts find friendship and acceptance where none would expect. Through the pasts of these two characters, Waititi shows that belonging can be difficult to forge when it comes to black sheep.
Ricky Baker finds rejection as second nature, and his background causes him to lash out as a result, which causes difficulty in forming real bonds. He has been treated as an outcast his entire life and been shuffled through the foster care system, a fact that is highlighted when he tells Hector, “Child welfare don’t care about kids like me.” This shows that he doesn’t have faith that he’ll be cared for if he goes back and reveals his inner motives for running away. In this scene, the director uses acting to show Ricky’s disdain for the system and his frustration with Hector for commenting on something he knows nothing about; an aggressive response he gains from his loveless childhood. These combined elements show how Ricky’s past hinders his relationships.
Hector Faulkner, Ricky’s ‘uncle’, has come to expect prejudice in people’s opinions about him, both due to his past and his quirks, which can prevent him from attempting to initiate connections. Hector was held back early in life by being illiterate, and he went to prison for a few years before this story begins; these combined facts often cloud people’s judgement of his character, which is pointed out when he says “they won’t see it that way”. This quote, though ambiguous, underscores that his past changes how he is seen by others. In this scene, the use of Mise-en-scene drives the point home – Hector carries a shotgun, and with the allegations against him, that could be painted in a very different light. Together, the quote and the props show how context can colour our views, and how Hector has mistrust thrown at him before he can even speak.
Although their circumstances are unfortunate, and they both seem doomed to a life without companionship, the two do find a sense of belonging with each other. Hector may be illiterate, and Ricky may make fun of him at first, but eventually the prejudice falls away, and it becomes a comfortable truth between them; they jokingly use the word “Majestical” after Hector’s initial grammatical error. This conveys a wonderful sense of knowing and accepting another person’s faults and flaws. The lighting as they
joke is bright and warm, imparting a sense of contentment and, most of all, belonging. This is a purposeful setting of mood by the director, Taika. This inside joke and the playful lighting are ways the movie captures belonging between two misfits.
In ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’, Ricky and Hec both have issues opening up or connecting with others, a fact influenced and revealed through their pasts. Despite their unconventional ways, and seemingly opposite personalities, they both find refuge in each other’s company, proving that anyone, from any way, shape, or form, can find their found family and their sense of belonging.
Year 7 Humanities
Year 7 Humanities students have been researching the Silk Road, including the cities, animals, goods, benefits, and dangers of this ancient trade route. They turned their findings into an illustrated map showing land and sea routes, key cities, and geographic features. The map also included hand-drawn images and facts about the people, animals, and goods traded along the way. Here are some examples of their work for you to enjoy.
