Uproar

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2:31

Uproar

PG-13

2024

1h 50m

Comedy

Drama

Sports

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Popcornmeter

100%

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25 Reviews

84%

Popcornmeter

50+ Ratings

Uproar is set in New Zealand in 1981, when the arrival of the South African rugby team sets off nationwide protests against apartheid and racism. Josh Waaka, a 17-year-old of mixed race who has been a passive bystander all his life, is suddenly forced to stand up for himself, his whānau, or family, and his future.

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Marya E. Gates

RogerEbert.com

Sep 14, 2023

Dennison once again brings his signature warmth, humor, and pathos for a singular and deeply affecting performance.

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Joe Lipsett

Hazel & Katniss & Harry & Starr Podcast

Jun 24, 2025

3.5/5

Dennison is exceptional as a boy discovering where and how to get engaged in activism. Driver's mother is a frustrating character, but she gets moments to shine. Overall this loose adaptation of real events is enjoyable and, sadly, extremely prescient

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Karl Puschmann

New Zealand Herald

Feb 12, 2025

James Rolleston and Driver are both as good as you’d expect as Josh’s brother and mum, respectively, and Mark Mitchinson brings the exact right level of conservative authority as the school’s principal.

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Todd Jorgenson

Cinemalogue

Jan 10, 2025

Committed performances bring a warmth and conviction to this heartfelt Kiwi coming-of-age tale, which finds nuance and poignancy beneath its nostalgic surface quirks.

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Dave Golder

Radio Times

Jul 22, 2024

5/5

Uproar uses its setting and period to bring more depth and nuance to its bittersweet tale of teenage rebellion.

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Julian Roman

MovieWeb

Mar 25, 2024

3.5/5

Uproar skillfully combines themes of identity, family, and social justice in a heartwarming and inspirational story. Julian Dennison shines in a thoughtful portrayal of courage and resilience in the face of adversity.

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Ashley H

@RT51219333 Sep 9, 2025

Great cast. However as a South African myself I dont agree with everything portrayed in this film so I will be giving it a low star rating.

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LW A

@RT85546625 Apr 11, 2025

Cringe- worthy and superficial attempt to deal with various issues, none of which were resolved in a satisfactory manner. Could have been a film about anything, anywhere.

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Liam R

@RT15204256 Apr 8, 2025

As a 17 year old teenager with similar experiences this movie really touched my heart, I felt so close to it all which made the experience watching this movie a genuine ride. Everyone has done insanely well in this casting so good job, and I hope my review has convinced you to watch this or maybe understand this movie from a different view. thank you

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Joshua A

@Oracle_771 Sep 14, 2024

A perfect way to portray history, the originality of the cast had me on my sit.

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Craig B

@Boundsy Sep 1, 2024

Based around actual historical and sobering New Zealand events, Uproar is an outstanding movie. Led by a fantastic cast including Julian Dennison, Minnie Driver and Rhys Darby, this really is a terrific movie. While not laugh out loud hilarious, there are plenty of moments which will put a smile on your face, and others which will leave a lump in your throat. Highly recommended for those who like a ‘little’ movie with a huge heart.

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Stewart I

@RT63669740 Aug 14, 2024

Excellent movie and a great cast

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Paul Middleditch

Director

Hamish Bennett

Director

Julian Dennison

Josh Waaka

Rhys Darby

Brother Madigan

Minnie Driver

Shirley Waaka

James Rolleston

Jamie Waaka

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Synopsis

Uproar is set in New Zealand in 1981, when the arrival of the South African rugby team sets off nationwide protests against apartheid and racism. Josh Waaka, a 17-year-old of mixed race who has been a passive bystander all his life, is suddenly forced to stand up for himself, his whānau, or family, and his future.

Director: Paul Middleditch, Hamish Bennett
Producer: Emma Slade, Angela Cudd, Sandra Kailahi
Screenwriter: Hamish Bennett, Sonia Whiteman
Distributor: Blue Fox Entertainment
Rating: PG-13 (Some Violence|Racism|A Crude Gesture|Strong Language|Thematic Material)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sports
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 15, 2024, Limited
Runtime: 1h 50m

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