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Our take
Joshua is growing up in New Zealand during the protests around the 1981 rugby tour. Uproar brings racist abuse and clashes with police into his school and community life. There is some strong language, and the history needs context. We would watch together from 13.
Uplifting themes
Standing up to injustice, honouring culture, and finding courage without losing kindness are central themes. Sport becomes a place to grow up, not just win Joshua listens, learns, and pushes back when peers cross lines. Coaches and family offer mixed guidance, but several adults model integrity
Story (may spoil tone)
A 17 year-old student is forced to get off the fence he has actively sat on all his life to stand up for himself, his whanau (family) and his future in this heartwarming story of identity.
What we flagged
Details
Violence Rugby hits look hard but sports-real, while protest scenes show pushing…
Rugby hits look hard but sports-real, while protest scenes show pushing, batons, and angry crowds without graphic injuries. Tension stays political as much as physical
Language Teens and adults use s-word, b-word, and bloody on and off the field, w…
Teens and adults use s-word, b-word, and bloody on and off the field, with one clear f-word in a heated moment. Insults sometimes target race in chants the film clearly rejects
Sex / nudity Quick locker-room jokes mention being naked in harmless sandwich banter…
Quick locker-room jokes mention being naked in harmless sandwich banter. Romance is light compared with sport and protest
Drugs / alcohol A line suggests someone may be drunk at a social moment during a tense…
A line suggests someone may be drunk at a social moment during a tense gathering. Substance use is not a major thread beyond that hint
Frightening Riot police, helicopters, and shouting mobs recreate a frightening chap…
Riot police, helicopters, and shouting mobs recreate a frightening chapter of history. The mood can feel personal because Joshua is still finding his voice
Bullying / discrimination The Springbok tour protests centre legalised racism and apartheid suppo…
The Springbok tour protests centre legalised racism and apartheid support, with slurs and hostile crowds shown as part of history. Joshua experiences othering at school and in rugby culture
Grief / bereavement A friend's death is remembered in dialogue and motivates Joshua's choic…
A friend's death is remembered in dialogue and motivates Joshua's choices on the field. The beat is brief but emotional
Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
Family watch notes
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Talk after watching
- Josh has to choose where he stands when sport and politics collide. Have you ever felt torn between belonging to a team and standing up for what you think is right?
- The film shows real New Zealand history through one teen's eyes. What did you learn about why the tour mattered to different groups?
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Uproar
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