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Two Cars, One Night

Taika Waititi, 2003

While waiting for their parents, two boys and a girl meet in the car park of a rural pub. What at first seems to be a relationship based on rivalry soon develops into friendship, showing that love can be found in the most unlikely of places.

This is one of the earliest works by Oscar-winner Taika Waititi and is peppered with his signature comedy.

Clip Details

Genre: Comedy

Country of Origin: New Zealand

Medium/Content: Sound, Live Action, Fiction, Black & White

Clip Length: 13:00

Age Group: S4-S6

Classroom Activities

How does Taika Waititi show the passing of time? Give examples of techniques used by the filmmaker.
Why do you think the film was shot in black and white? What effect does this have on the audience?
Why has Polly’s dad been framed that way? Why is his face not shown?
How are Ed and Romeo portrayed differently in the film?
Based on the film’s ending, do you think Romeo and Polly will ever see each other again? Give reasons for your answer.

The film also deals with what children do when they are bored, they role-play, play games etc. What games or activities did you do while growing up to pass the time? Do these activities only occur where you are from? How do they differ from other areas?
Which character do you most relate to in the film? Why?
Do you think it was responsible for the parents to leave their kids alone in the cars for so long? Are kids given enough responsibility for their lives in general? Discuss.
What other stories does this one remind you of? List the similarities and differences for each one.

Clip Details

Genre: Comedy

Country of Origin: New Zealand

Medium/Content: Sound, Live Action, Fiction, Black & White

Clip Length: 13:00

Education Level: Senior Phase