[7] The New Zealand Film Commission describes it as showcasing not only "Samoan tradition and values", but also "universal" themes: "love, courage, personal adversity and honour".

[8] The main character, Saili, a "simple villager", a taro farmer and a dwarf or of short stature, must "find the strength" to "defend his land and family, which are threatened by powerful adversaries".

You get thrown into this place and you are seeing things", witnessing aspects of Samoan life without explanation - such as evening prayer time (sa), or ritual atonement (ifoga).

[2] Misa Telefoni, who is also Samoan Minister for Tourism, has expressed hope that the film will attract international attention to Samoa, and promote the country as a tourist destination.

[9] The New Zealand Herald noted: Variety described it as "a compelling drama", an "exploration of love, death and bitter family conflict that unfolds in sync with the relaxed rhythms of Pacific island life", and an "ausipicious debut" for Tamasese.

Sagote, in the lead role, was "tremendously soulful-eyed", while Pushparaj was "excellent", "exuding the dignity of a queen": The Hollywood Reporter praised the film as "a beautifully nuanced debut" with a "deeply moving climax", which both "succeeds on one level as an insider’s intricate cultural study" and "is powered by a slow-burning underdog drama that canvasses weighty themes of family honor, courage and redemption".

[1] The Camden Advertiser encouraged readers to see the film, saying its most interesting aspect was "the observation of the intricacies of the Samoan culture - which hitherto had not been committed to cinema" and which are conveyed "very subtly within a very universal tale".