Sylvia Reviews

The early adult years of a pioneer New Zealand educator are detailed as the young wife of a headmaster, David, arrives at a primitive Maori village to teach the primarily native children. Frustrated by their resistance, she withdraws to her music and the visual arts. These disciplines prove useful to her renewed teaching career since the children are interested in them. School-system bureaucrats attempt to prevent her from imposing these new methods by less-than-subtle means, and she and her family are ultimately transferred from their posts. Based on the true story of Sylvia Ashton-Warner, the movie benefits from a strong cast that brings enthusiasm to their work. Ashton-Warner died shortly before production began on this project, but fortunately she was interviewed on camera before her passing. This precious footage is shown over the film's opening credits, creating a realistic base that adds to the drama.