Naming Number Two

“Naming Number Two” written and directed by Toa Fraser, is an independent New Zealand film based on the award winning play “No. 2”. Nanna Maria is an elderly woman determined on bringing the generations of her family together again. Erasmus, Charlene, Tyson, Hibiscus and Soul are Nanna Maria’s grandchildren. Erasmus, the eldest grandson, is very intelligent yet complicated and is also the manpower in charge of Nanna Maria’s house. Charlene is a motherly figure who also takes care of Nanna Maria. The rich, well careered grandson, Tyson, moved away from Mt. Roskill. All of his cousins feel as if he is not engaged with the family anymore. He brings his girlfriend, Maria, to help with the feast and although Nanna Maria does not want any outsiders at the feast, she enjoys Maria’s company and welcomes her into the family. Hibiscus is Tyson’s little stylish sister who is very sensitive, yet protective. Soul, the mischievous grandson of the family with a strong personality, goes after whatever he wants no matter what it takes. They all work together to create a welcoming feast for their whole family.

Naming Number Two displays a New Zealand family struggling to get along with one another. Nanna Maria just wants her grandchildren to put together a big feast allowing the entire generations of family to reunite. No outsiders are allowed. Her own children’s generations hates each other and always stir up fights whenever together. At this feast Nanna Maria is also going to name her successor. All of the grandchildren work hard together to set up the feast though many family outbreaks and arguments take place. Nanna Maria gives out orders for her grandchildren to follow for the feast and they all listen as commanded. Soul and Tyson go around inviting all of Nanna Maria’s children to the feast. Throughout all the commotions and drama, the whole family is able to forget all the crazy arguments and fighting and ends up creating positive memories together at the feast. Nanna Maria also picks Soul as the successor for he is the person who undoubtedly keeps the family happily together.

I really did not know what kind of movie to expect, but “Naming Number Two” was funny, sad, happy and an overall very fine movie. I really enjoyed how Toa, being from New Zealand brought the culture alive throughout the movie. Although I do think that he could have used all Fijian actors making the movie even more real. At the end of the movie, I was a little confused if Nanna Maria died or if she was just lying down on her bed resting. I also felt as if I knew this family and all of the characters. I would definitely recommend this movie to all, “Naming Number Two”.