and despair. .
The one aspect of duality that is not portrayed in the film and left up to the viewer to.
determine, is the idea of right and wrong. It is this concept that a human service worker.
who is exposed to such a family must explore on their own. Isolated within the confines.
of our own perceptions and the environment that supports them, it would be easy to judge.
and condemn the lifestyle of such a family as wrong. However, we must remember that.
this is only a perception, no matter what our personal feelings tell us about violence,.
alcohol and dysfunction, there must be many strengths and characteristics within this.
family that are very functional indeed.
First of all, the relationship between Beth and Jake has lasted eighteen years and has.
produced five wonderful offspring. There is "Nig" the oldest boy (in his late teens),.
Grace, a young teenage girl about thirteen, "Boog" (Mark) about a year younger, and two.
small children (boy and girl) about five and six. There is little doubt during the first half.
of the story that there is much genuine love and sexual attraction between the parents.
They enjoy drinking, socializing and best of all singing together. They sing beautifully.
and its magic seems to strengthen the bond of love that they share. All of the family.
members seem to posses an inspiring determination to survive and stay strong in spite of.
the depressing surroundings. Beth is a powerhouse of resources, strength and.
determination. The relationship between mother and children is loving and strong. With.
the father, it is another matter altogether. Jake is lost in a haze of alcoholism and extreme.
violence. The older progeny seem to despise him, and his connection to them is distanced.
These surroundings, although ghetto-like and rather squalid, are the norm for tens of.
thousands of Maori natives. This is paralleled in our own culture for millions, who for.
one reason or another are marginalized from the mainstream classes.
