Love the song, Leka.
Do you ever stop working?
What are you doing now?
Just working on new choreography for our siva.
I am sick of using O Le Taualuga for every item.
What?
That's my favourite.
When's Nita recording?
Today.
So what the hell are you doing here?
She's fine.
She's fine?
'Cause she has the opportunity
to go to one of the best music schools.
I mean, you should be there for her, Tina.
Look, she can take care of herself.
My kids here can't.
'Cause your kids here will be lucky
if they get anywhere near a university.
And if we're not here, they definitely
won't.
You should know that.
What's the matter, what happened?
Nothing.
I'm at the CTV studios.
Okay, so what's the problem?
You almost gave me a heart attack.
I'm feeling anxious.
Can I do this another time?
Lanita, there is no other time.
My voice doesn't feel right.
Listen.
Listen, you're just nervous, okay?
Just breathe.
You have done this a thousand times.
You can sing this blindfolded.
You okay?
Yeah.
Can you help me warm up?
Come on
Mum, please?
Okay.
Okay, breathe.
Yeah.
Good.
You can tell me about it tonight.
She's gonna be fine.
She's probably gonna be married,
with kids soon.
Not if I can help it.
Oh.
At least 65 people are dead
and parts of Christchurch are in ruins
after another powerful earthquake hit New Zealand.
An unknown number of residents
are still trapped in collapsed buildings.
It's the second powerful earthquake
to hit the area in five months.
Help, help!
ETA five minutes!
Move, move, move, move, move, move!
Uh, excuse me.
Excuse me.
I'm looking for my daughter.
Have you seen her?
Try over there.
Please take a seat.
What a glorious day.
Good to see you.
God to see you too.
He's 10 years old now.
Say hi to your uncle.
Yeah.
How's Cheryl?
Oh, she's good.
Oh, holy shit balls, Father.
You scared me.
It'd be nice if we saw you more often.
Times have changed, Father.
What did you make about the choir?
Too many shrieking ladies.
I feel sorry for your neighbourhood dogs.
Me thinks they might need your help.
Ah.
Me thinks
they can kiss my ass.
I'm sorry.
We had every choir in the country running scared.
Good to have you back, Leka.
The new choir director is such a boss.
You should do it.
I always preferred standing behind you.
Remember when we used to sneak in here,
steal sips of that wine?
I couldn't sleep for a week.
I thought for sure God was gonna punish us.
Good old shepherd, eh?
I need your help, Tina.
Decile 1 schools are closing all over the city.
It's only a matter of time before we will as well.
I can't.
I'm sorry.
You used to say that if we weren't here,
our kids wouldn't have a chance.
I was wrong.
Happy birthday, my baby.
That little shit.
There's your medical certificate.
Just remember that we need another one in six months.
Hey, she's here.
Who?
What do you mean who?
You think I'd come in here for anyone else?
Just get her to wait.
I'm almost done.
Are you crazy?
Now get your out here and sort this shit out.
But that's your job!
Oh, and how does one do his job if one is dead?
I am so sorry.
Would you excu...
Thank you.
Hey.
Just tell her I said hello, alright?
But don't tell her I'm here.
I don't know why your parents named you after Rocky.
Where's my money?
They've been sending you letters for months now.
Take care of it.
I can't keep covering for you.
This is my workplace.
I have a family to feed.
Hmm, yes, like I did with you.
Well, the fact is
we need to show that you're at least
trying to make your situation better.
So I got you into an interview.
What interview?
It's just to show that you're trying.
You just turn up.
You just turn up, okay?
Then they mark you down as arrive.
We can get your payments back up and running.
Tina-
Don't call me that.
You just have to do something
or they will take your benefit.
The details are on there.
It's up to you.
Hello, good morning.
You just have a seat.
I'll just go and see when they're ready for you.
Okay, thanks.
They'll see you right away, David.
Oh, Joanna, hi.
Such an honour to meet you.
I'm such a fan of your work.
Oh, you're still here.
Yeah.
Right.
I'm sorry, we had some important people to see first.
I'm sure you understand.
No, I don't.
Excuse me.
Henrietta Williams then.
She's-
Please sit.
I must admit I'm rather surprised
they sent you down here.
Miss Percival, we represent St. Francis of the Assisi.
No doubt you've heard of our school.
At Francis, we strive to instil our students
with a strong sense of individual excellence.
Our standards are extremely high.
Now, we're here to find a substitute teacher
who meets that standard.
Can I be honest?
I don't think this role is for you.
Just between us,
it's really more of a babysitting position anyway.
The person we're after needs to kind of
be a little bit more like us.
What?
Wankers?
You clearly got no idea what you're talking about.
Let me help you out.
This is no bullshit.
The person you're looking for
is the one person that will truly care for your kids.
That's it.
There is freedom within
There is freedom without
Try to catch the deluge in a paper cup
There are battles ahead
Many battles are lost
But you'll never see the end of the road
While you're travelling with me
Hey now, hey now, don't dream it's over
Hey now, hey now, when the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
We know they won't win
I can see you!
I know, you valea.
Come to the back.
Hey, I'll come to the back.
Hey, auntie.
I got some stuff.
I was down at the supermarket
and this lady was looking at me like,
"Why do you got food vouchers?"
I was like, you better mind your own damn business, lady.
Ah, Lata made up food for you to put in the freezer.
You're gonna need it.
Why?
Ah, you know, just so you have something nice to eat,
easy to warm up,
probably for your
new job.
Yeah, see, I knew you would like it.
I mean, you wouldn't need to worry
about paying the bills anymore.
The pay is amazing.
Shit, I mean, it's more than what I get, you know?
Then you can get out of this dump, huh?
Okay.
Wait, what?
Seriously?
What else am I gonna do, wait here to die?
Ha, funny.
To be honest, you didn't really have a choice.
They're gonna take your benefit.
You're gonna lose your power, get cold, pee your pants,
and then I'll have to come clean it up.
It's yuck.
Okay.
What's that?
Samoan knitting.
A hobby.
That's awesome.
See, that reminds me.
I've been going to these free counselling sessions
down at the community centre.
You should come with me.
You want me to clean this place up a little bit?
Yep, okay, good.
Better going, eh?
Yeah, I love our little talks.
Okay, fa.
Love you.
Driver.
Driver, this is my stop!
There you are.
Greetings, Miss Percival.
Welcome to our school.
I'm sorry I'm a little late.
That's fine.
This place is a maze.
Please, the day is already underway.
I did some background research on you
and it turns out you're known to locals
as the godmother in Pacific education.
Can I ask why you chose to teach an Aranui of all places?
It's where I live.
Of course.
When you walked into the interview,
I thought, now here's someone
that can offer my kids something different.
Oh, yeah?
What would that be?
I have no idea yet.
I'm excited to find out.
I'm starting to wonder
if teaching isn't about more than just education.
Sounds like you have children of your own.
Ah, no.
Actually, my late wife and I, we couldn't have children.
Well, the way I see it
is every teacher is already a parent.
That's nicely put.
Look, I know we're perceived a certain way.
And it's Christchurch after all.
Most schools are.
But I truly believe that you have a lot to offer us.
I'll do what's required of me.
That's it.
That's a real shame.
Please be seated.
To begin, after much anticipation,
I'd like to invite on stage Mr. Wadsworth
to announce the captain of this year's First XV.
This year's captain
is Noah Bull.
I would also like to take this opportunity to announce,
with sadness, the departure of our illustrious leader,
Mr. Alan Hubbard, who after years of service
will be officially stepping down at the end of this year.
Till then, I will be assuming all his responsibilities,
and I hope I can set the same shining example as he has.
Everyone sit.
Oh, sorry.
Okay, please open your books and
get on with your work.
Is this a staring competition?
You have to dismiss us, miss.
You may be dismissed.
Didn't you shower last night?
Yeah, and?
Uh...
Uh, no, no, no reason.
Oh, hey, I'm going past the doctor today,
if there's, you know, anything you need.
I'm fine.
I don't mind.
I said I'm fine.
Oh, I'm running late.
I better go.
Oh, I'll drop you off.
I like the bus.
It's on my way.
Okay.
Our students are achieving
at higher rates of excellence endorsements
in Level 1 and Level 2 NCEA,
where we significantly outperform
other schools in those sectors.
Well done.
I hope that wasn't too much.
Yeah, we can be a bit competitive,
but we find that a little bit of friendly competition
really does provide the right motivation.
For what?
Success.
Looks like you're winning already.
Yeah, complacency doesn't make sense
for a guy trying to redefine normal.
Chuck Norris?
No, but thank you.
Yeah, other schools judge us for sure.
They say we're too rigid,
but we have all kinds here as well.
Yeah, we've had all sorts.
You're probably the first Polynesian woman
we've ever had though.
Congrats.
You know, staff here are encouraged to dress
a little bit more formally.
Where I'm from, this is formal.
Yes, it'd still be nice if you blended in though, eh?
I'm Peter Wadsworth, by the way,
deputy head principal, head of sport, and head of HR.
That's a lot of head.
Hey!
Get your ass back here now!
Don't you ever turn you back on me again
or I will knock you on your fucking ass.
Do you understand?
Okay, thanks, everyone, for coming.
Should we start with a quick check in, everyone?
Sio, you wanna start us off?
Yeah, sure.
I mean, yeah, there's been some pressure at work.
Guitar, they've got...
Oh, sorry.
I was actually after Alan.
Alan or not, knocking is customary.
Are you okay, sweetheart?
Yes, thank you, Miss Percival, but this is a-
I wasn't talking to you.
What happened?
Unfortunately, Sophie needs to specialise in an instrument
if she's to get into her preferred music university.
Did you mention to Mr. Wadsworth
about the choral scholarship we talked about?
Excuse me?
Yes, they're a, um,
there are music scholarship programmes.
There are music scholarship programmes
for students who do choir.
And where would this be?
University of Cambridge has a great one.
How do you know that?
Because that's where my daughter applied.
Well, look, unfortunately, we don't have a choir.
Actually, that's what I came to discuss with Alan.
I'm starting a school choir.
Miss Percival, everything we do here
must be at the highest level.
You can't just throw some Sunday school group together,
hold hands and sing Kumbaya.
Oh, don't you worry about that, Mr. Wadsworth.
Our choir is gonna be doing more than just hold hands.
Remember what we talked about, Sophie.
What the hell was all that?
I don't know anything about choirs.
What's to know?
You just open your mouth and you sing,
and I know you can sing.
Look, I don't need your help, okay?
Let me ask you something.
Do you want to do music?
Of course I do.
Is it something you think about every day?
Well, the only good thing.
Okay then.
It's just I've never sung in a choir before, only alone.
The thing with choir is you can't do it alone.
We'll need others.
Wow, what a fall from grace.
Well, don't knock it.
This was once Ernest Rutherford's lab.
Who?
New Zealand's very own Bruce Banner.
Sorry, but the Hulk, he must be Samoan,
you know, angry, bare feet,
ripped jeans, can't speak English,
Please.
Thank you.
What can I do to help?
I was wondering,
how difficult would it be to start
a school choir?
Not difficult, impossible.
Why?
We had one once and they were average at best.
Here, average isn't good enough.
A choir isn't about being good.
You try convincing our parents of that.
Come on!
You felt like I could give these kids something.
This, this is that something.
And what can it hurt?
They've all virtually passed.
I only need a few students.
Helen Young, they either fall in love with her
or they wanna be her.
You want students, she'll get them.
Thank you for this.
Oh, no, it's nothing.
I'm a choir girl myself.
I just can't guarantee how many will actually turn up.
Choirs only need four.
Relax.
You look like meerkats or something.
Well, you have your four.
Only just, I'm so sorry.
Oh, I'll take what I can get.
I'll leave you to it then.
Thank you.
Does anyone in here know Sophie?
We all know her, miss.
She's that clean freak who likes popping pills.
Stopping being a bitch.
You know exactly what that's about.
Hey, you're being the bitch, bitch!
Wha...
Hey, what the hell happened to the perfect angels?
Oh, she's probably in the music room, miss.
Okay.
Stay.
Miss, we're not dogs.
You are.
If anyone leaves, I will come after you and I'll kill you.
Now, you.
Do you know how to connect this to the TV?
Uh, everyone does?
Everyone does.
Yeah, go on, take it.
Connect it, otherwise...
You'll kill me?
Okay.
Wow.
I thought you played the piano.
I could play just about anything I picked up.
Not now.
Injured fucking hand.
Oh my gosh.
All of a sudden,
you kids have turned into potty mouth gangsters.
What happened?
Did you forget about our arrangement?
No, I,
I thought about it and I don't need your help.
Okay.
Whatever.
Pick up your cello.
Let's go.
Okay, where did everyone go?
Well, for the amount of you here,
we're going to have to find your voices
if we are to sound like a proper choir.
Alright.
Well, let's get started.
Let's get the blood flowing, alright?
Everyone stand.
Come closer to me, please.
Let's learn some words.
So, mili in Samoan means to rub.
So when I call mili,
you wanna rub your hands together like this.
Mili.
That's it.
Fast, fast, fast, fast.
Super fast!
Yes!
Good, good.
Now when I called pati, pati means to clap.
So when I call out pati, we...
Clap.
Okay.
So, pati.
Pati.
Good.
Lua pati means two claps.
So when I call lua pati, that is-
Two clap!
Two clap, clap twice.
Clap twice.
That's okay, that's good.
Now, tolu tolu fa, that's the last part.
Tolu tolu fa goes like this.
Okay, let's try it all together, okay?
Okay, let's go from the top.
Okay, and mili, mili, mili, mili, mili.
Mili, mili, mili, mili, come on.
Hot, hot, hot!
Sunburn hot!
Super hot!
Patia!
Lua pati!
Tolu tolu fa!
One for luck, tolu tolu fa!
Okay, that's a work in progress.
Grab your chairs.
Come with me.
Here, miss.
Oh.
Thanks, thank you.
Who can tell me what choir's about?
Singing?
Yeah, sure.
Succinct, to the point.
Anyone else?
To sing, but to do it well together.
You know, harmonise.
Yeah, you nailed it.
Together.
A choir cannot work alone.
You need each other.
Now, look at those around you.
You will get to know them closely.
They will help you, support you.
And together, you will stand out beautifully.
Now I want to play to you one of my absolute favourite songs.
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer to Thee
E'en though it be a cross
That raiseth me
Still all my song shall be
Nearer, my God, to Thee
Nearer to Thee
Mmm
Though like the wanderer
The sun gone down
Darkness be over me
My rest a stone
Shit.
Talofa, miss.
Excuse me?
Talofa?
Where'd you learn that?
I mean, we're not in Siberia.
It means hello.
It's Samoan.
Yes, I know what it means, and it's pronounced Samoan.
Oh.
June,
repeat after me.
Ah-
Ah.
- Oh. - Oh.
Ah.
- Ta. - Ta.
- Lo. - Lo.
- Fa. - Fa.
Talofa.
Malo.
Do you eat corned beef, miss?
Be gone.
Of course I eat corned beef.
Hey, miss.
Well, this is a surprise.
Yeah, I thought I'd come check out
what everyone's been talking about.
Well, it looks like you brought a few of them with you.
They kind of just followed me here.
Lucky though, it looks like you needed it.
Come on, fellas.
It's show time now.
Let's see if you can sing.
Come on, prove it.
Okay.
Ooh ooh ooh ooh
Ee, ee, ee, ee
Ee, ee, ee, ee, ee, ee
Hee, hee, hee, hee, hee, hee, hee, hee, hee
Ayaya, yaya, yaya
Ayaya, ya ya ya, ya ya ya
That was a great session.
And to all the new people, I'm really impressed.
Okay, so I'll see you next week.
Thanks, miss.
Thank you.
Go around
and get in tune with how everybody's feeling.
Share with the group?
You boys eat off the toilet seat at home?
Smart on books, not so smart on life.
Alright, come on, let's get this show on the road.
Everybody up.
Now did you all learn the new song I sent you?
Yes, no, what?
Use your words.
You look like cats bums right now.
Uh, miss,
the song's, like, ancient.
Like, it's more for crusty white old men.
No offence.
Yes, it is ancient,
but it's what we like to call an oldie but a goodie, eh?
And no offence taken.
I'm not old, nor am I white, or a man.
Jury's still out on old.
Oh, Anthony, a joke.
I actually enjoyed that one but it will cost you.
20 burpees, let's go.
What?
You heard, 20 burpees.
I am indeed old.
I am a wise, old, hot, stunning master.
And you, you are my young, naive, silly student.
Like all good kung fu films, if you disrespect the master,
you exercise.
Now where was I?
Oldie.
I wanna see how we can take an ancient song
and reinterpret its arrangement to make it not so ancient.
Like a reboot?
God, it's a remake, you Neanderthal!
Hey.
Okay. Mei-ling, you've been charged 20 burpees.
Miss, I said it to him, not you.
Yes, but as a choir, we do not put down our teammates.
We back them up.
Now, come on, move over here to Anthony.
But I'm a girl.
Okay, 50, 50 up-downs.
Let's go.
I don't even know what that is.
Yeah, well, funny guy over there
is gonna tell you all about it.
Miss, she's tiny.
She'll get hurt.
Oh, we'll see who gets hurt.
Miss, I'll do the burpees.
That's the one.
Okay, let's go.
Sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses on the side.
What are we doing now?
Oh, you'll see.
Now I
Have loved you
Like a baby
Has to turn
Turn
From here
Turn
And go
Like
Some lonesome child
It's not half bad.
Okay, before you go patting each other's bums,
there's one more thing to do.
I want you guys to sing the same song but as one group.
Okay?
And Sophie, I want you to lead.
Me?
Yes, you.
Alright, everyone, come on.
Get around Sophie.
Alright, come on.
Let's have a listen.
Give us a note.
And one, and two, and three, and four, and.
There are stars
Wait, wait.
In the southern
Stop, stop!
Oh, that was terrible.
It's 'cause of this spoiled rich boy over here
who can't sing.
What the hell is your problem?
Everyone here is rich and spoiled,
and the weird sound was coming from-
Excuse me!
Settle.
Lucky this is an institute of learning.
Otherwise, you'd get the jandal.
With love, of course.
Now it seems to me that you're not ready to sing together,
so we're going back to warmups.
Zi, zi, zi, zi, zi, zi, zi, zi
Za, za, za, za, za
Fi, fe, fa, fo, ooh
What the hell is this racket?
Hey!
Miss Percival, you do realise there are official steps
to start something like this.
Thank you very much, Mr. Wadsworth.
I've already cleared this with Alan.
Mr. Bull.
Don't you have training today?
Yes, sir.
I'm heading there straight after.
Don't be late.
You can be sure I'll be checking this with Alan.
Okay, focus on your breathing.
Breathing in
and out.
Now, I want you to focus on the breaths around you.
Even though you're in your own space,
you're still in an active relationship with each other.
The space between us does not separate us.
It connects us.
This is called
le va.
This space,
this va,
belongs to us,
belongs to our choir, to our family, to our community.
This is our space.
Now I want you to reach over
and place your hands on the stomach next to you.
Feel their breath.
Good.
There are stars
In the southern sky
Southward as you go
There is moonlight
And moss in the trees
Down the seven bridges road
Now I have loved
Talofa, miss.
Very nice.
We have choir today, miss?
Yep, we sure do.
What, again, miss?
Anthony, you of all people know the importance of practise.
Now, everyone, I want you all
to clear your calendars on Sunday
because I've arranged our first performance
in front of a live audience.
- What?
Wait, I didn't realise we were actually gonna perform.
Relax.
You guys are good enough to do this.
Please tell us it's not at the town hall, miss.
No.
No, it's not at the town hall, nor is it at Carnegie Hall.
It's at Sunday Mass at my Samoan church.
Oh.
It's good, right?
It's not even a real performance.
The longest journey always begins with the first step,
and this is our first step as a group.
Now as part of the choir in the Samoan church,
you'll need to wear white.
Oh, miss, I don't have anything white.
Me too.
Like, it's impossible to pull off.
I think I've got a white shirt.
Does it have to be clean?
Miss, does it have to be clean?
All the money in the world and no white clothes.
Oh, hell no.
Miss.
Right now, I'm still paying.
Thanks, miss.
Has anyone seen Sophie?
Oh, she said she already has something.
Oh, okay.
What's wrong with her?
Has she had her pills?
I don't know.
Go get miss.
Sophie.
Okay.
Sweetheart.
Alright, okay.
Shh, shh.
Breathe.
That's it.
That's it, just breathe.
Good girl.
That's it.
That's it, breathe.
Good girl.
The group haven't been together very long,
so they won't be the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
But knowing Mareta, they will no doubt have talent.
There you go.
Yeah?
There you go.
You heard the man.
What's the name of our choir?
Uh...
The St. F's Choir.
No, we suck.
People are gonna call us the St. FU Choirs.
Why are always trying to be the tough guy?
How about The Assisi Singers?
Hurry up or I'll call you the moepi singers.
The Assisi Singers?
Yeah, sure.
Uh, we are The Assisi Singers.
Please welcome
Just a correction to our name,
we are, in fact, The Assisi Singers.
We are very proud to be here today
for our very first performance.
It is our hope that it'll help ease your mind
in times of trouble.
Malo.
Okay.
Well, well done, well done.
How did it feel?
Almost shat my pants.
Yeah.
It's perfectly natural.
Now look, I wanted to tell you guys
about a national choir competition.
It's called the Big Sing.
I think you should do it.
But you must decide as a group.
If we do this, we do it together.
Francis on three?
One, two, three.
Francis!
Hello, Father.
Oh, hello.
I just wanted to come by and say thank you.
You were absolutely amazing.
Miss, there's a lady looking for you.
Hmm.
Oh, well, I have some things to do,
spiritual, godly things to take care of
that need my priestly, ah...
Oh, I get it.
Do you need a lift?
That's fine, my dear.
I like the bus, but drive safe.
Okay.
What is this?
What is what?
Don't play dumb with me.
They're a bunch of spoiled rich kids
that have everything they could ever want.
They don't have everything.
And what do we have?
Look at us.
We are desperately Leka-
I have given enough!
You don't know them.
Oh, Leka.
Who do you think I am campaigning for help from
every single day?
They don't care about us!
They're just kids.
They're just kids in a choir.
That's got nothing to do with them!
I thought you were so much smarter than this.
What happens when they don't wanna be
in your dumb choir anymore?
Hmm?
Mum, please.
Me thinks they might need your help.
Well, this feels awkward.
Ah, you're awake.
That's great, huh?
Okay.
Ah, Miss Percival, right?
My name is Dr. Chiu.
Are you both family members?
Yeah, well, I'll wait outside.
So, Mareta,
your file shows you have known about this for some time.
Cancer is a serious issue,
so-
Wait, did you say cancer?
Yeah, and we don't have time anymore.
Just tell me how much time I've got left.
Maybe one month or could be two.
There are still things we can try.
Like what, start a GoFundMe page?
Okay.
I know this can be hard, hmm?
Perhaps you need some time to think?
What I need is to unclench my bum.
Miss Percival, I'm not sure you understand.
This, it's not in your bum.
Thank you, doctor.
I understand.
Okay.
I'll give you a moment.
Why didn't you tell anyone?
What for?
Maybe to talk some sense into you.
I mean, there are options.
You still have a chance.
I don't want a chance.
Great.
What the fuck am I supposed to do with that?
Hi.
Can you give me a ride home, please?
Yeah, absolutely.
Can you hold onto that for me?
Sure.
What's in it?
My soiled nappies.
Just joking.
The hospital towels, but he won't question you.
Hey, guys, wait up.
- Hey. - Hey.
What on earth are you doing here?
I was told you were in hospital.
Oh, I think it was just a,
just a head cold.
Oh.
Yeah.
What's going on?
The world's ending.
They had another loss at the weekend.
Sorry, I have to run.
Yeah, sure.
Everything okay?
Old man doesn't like losing.
What's that got to do with you?
Who knows?
I'm starting to wonder if I even like playing anymore.
There's nothing wrong with that.
Why don't you take a break?
Get your bum in here.
I wish I could be as brave as you, miss.
I want us to start thinking about that.
Where does that guilt come from?
Hi.
Sorry I'm late.
Is it okay if I come in?
Come in.
Malo, Tina.
Everyone, welcome the famous local, Mareta Percival.
Hello.
Hi, Mareta.
Could you tell us about yourself?
Oh, uh, like what?
Anything, really.
Why you're here perhaps.
Well, one of my kids told me that I was brave,
and, um,
and so I'm here to see if that is true
or not.
Good morning, sir.
Tulou.
What did you just say?
Sorry, sir.
I said tulou.
It means excuse me.
Right, thank you.
Who taught you that?
Miss Percival, sir.
Of course she did.
Anyone ever been to Aranui?
No.
And what's a lavalava?
It's like a sarong.
Oh.
Hey.
Should we get going soon?
Going?
Yeah, it's Friday, dinner night.
Ugh.
I forgot, sorry.
Can we make it another night?
Sweetheart, you know we're supposed to keep up a routine.
Yeah, I know.
I just,
I really don't feel like it tonight.
Are you taking your pills?
Yes, I'm taking the dumb pills.
Hey, Soph.
Soph, if I know you've been through hell and back
these last three years, but we're all suffering here.
You've got no idea about suffering.
What do you know about what I've been through?
I know I don't wanna end up anything like you,
drinking every night.
Hi!
Come on in.
Yep, come through, don't be shy.
Everyone please put on your lavalavas.
If you didn't bring one, I've got spares over here.
Just remember, this is a hall
that's very dear to our Samoan community,
so let's honour their tradition by wearing your lavalavas.
Take off your tops.
It's much easier to put them on if you're wearing singlets.
Okay, Sophie,
you alright?
Do you need a hand?
No.
I mean, this is silly.
What has this got to do with choir?
It's not about the choir.
Well, why then?
We're in New Zealand, not Samoa.
Are you gonna put one on or not?
No, it's not necessary.
What's the matter?
Nothing.
I just don't wanna wear it.
Okay, listen up.
In here, there are three rules
at the heart of what it means to be a Samoan.
That is loto maulalo, fa'aaloalo, and alofa,
which is respect, humility, and love.
If you don't wanna respect the wishes of this community,
get out.
There's the door.
I'm not your equal.
I am your elder,
Yoda, sensei, whatever it is you wanna call it.
This isn't a debate forum.
You do not leave comments here.
You just leave.
Alright, let's get together in our groups.
Go.
Crap, did you do the chemistry?
Choir poofters
Apes.
What did you say, chink?
Oi.
Leave them alone.
What's your problem?
My problem is they're my teammates.
Choir isn't a team.
Don't be a dick, Noah.
I'll knock you on your fucking ass.
Just like dad, eh?
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!
Hey, hey, Anthony.
Get off me!
Anthony!
Get off me!
Get off him!
Are you alright?
Fuck off, you Black bitch.
Mei-ling, let him go.
Thanks.
Today,
Captain America and Conan the vegetarian
were involved in their own little royal rumble.
But taking the cake is our very own Ronda Rousey
who put a young man to sleep.
Girl power!
Unfortunately for them, they've broken the rules.
This is bullshit, miss.
It wasn't even our fault.
Then whose fault was it, Anthony?
Mine?
Maybe you were sticking up for your teammates.
You weren't sticking up for your teammates!
You were sticking up for yourself!
Come on.
Pass these around.
Two songs, miss?
We've been requested to perform at assembly.
What are we gonna do without Sophie, miss?
Yeah, and now we've lost Anthony.
Do we even have time to learn another song?
Look, we will have to practise more than normal.
But I promise you, if we put the time in-
Miss, I've got a massive workload.
I'm knackered.
Yeah, we all are.
It's not just you.
Welcome home
I bid you welcome
Welcome home
From the bottom of my heart
Yeah.
What on earth is going on?
Shh.
I know.
I know this looks bad.
Looks bad?
They're asleep.
It's not kindergarten.
Listen.
They're just a little exhausted,
and they just need some time to catch up.
Please trust me.
Trust you?
I feel I'd be more than accommodating.
I would appreciate it if you didn't throw that
back in my face by sabotaging my school.
Now if you'd kindly bring some order back to your class.
See I made a space for you now
Welcome home
From the bottom of my heart
Keep it coming now
Mmm mmm
You'll find most of us here with our hearts wide open
Mmm mmm
Keep it coming now, keep it coming now
Aah aah aah aah
There's a woman with her hands trembling
High and wide
And she sings with a mountain's memory
High and wide
And this mountain is wide
All the colours are warm
Welcome home
I bid you welcome
Welcome home
From the bottom of our hearts
Okay.
That's it for today, thank you.
From the bottom of our hearts
Wow.
Are you preparing them for war?
What's happening, Rones?
It's Sio.
What happened?
Tina.
I found him in the bathroom.
He tried overdosing.
You know he had a tough childhood.
He used to walk over to our house
in the middle of the night in his pyjamas.
I'd make him a Milo and he'd fall asleep next to Lanita.
She meant a lot to him.
You both do.
Can you watch him?
Yes.
Take your time.
I'm not going anywhere.
Where's miss?
No idea.
I am very happy to bring you an exciting new group,
St. Francis's, very own choir, The Assisi Singers.
Ooh
Ooh ooh ooh
Tonight I am feeling for you
Under the state
Goodness, alright.
I think we can stop right there.
Hardly Sinatra, isn't it?
Well, that's enough entertainment for one day,
don't you think?
So let's all just have a think about exams coming up
and what we're wasting our time on.
Please be seated.
Miss Percival is away today, so I'll be filling in.
Alright, alright, that's enough.
Who in here is part of the choir?
Miss Cross, can you tell me about the Big Sing?
It's the choir competition that we've been preparing for.
Miss believes we're good enough to go to the finals.
And what do you think?
I don't know about that.
I just love being part of her group.
You mean the choir?
Yeah, that too.
Hmm.
How are you feeling?
Embarrassed.
Don't be.
I'm the one that should be ashamed.
I should have been there for you.
Nah.
Nah, you looked after enough of us neighbourhood rats.
It's funny because Lanita used to call you
the Pied Piper.
She was in my dream,
you know, one of those ones when you know you're dreaming.
I grabbed her and I squeezed her as tight as I could.
I didn't wanna let go,
but I could feel myself waking, you know?
I'm trying to fight it, you know, but I can't hold on.
Then I woke up
and she was gone.
She's not gone, no.
I see her in every kid that you've ever taught.
Sophie,
I want us to get the choir back together for the Big Sing.
What the hell?
And I want you to lead them.
Why?
I don't say anything.
They hear you.
Your voice, it gives them confidence.
How am I supposed to give them confidence?
Would it be okay if I was just in the choir for now?
You choose a song for our performance and we have a deal.
Okay?
Deal.
Deal
Okay, okay, we speak English in this country.
This is the head of our board, Mr. Clem Bull.
We've actually met.
He's the one that likes grabbing people.
Nice to see you again, mister bully.
There was an incident where members of your choir
assaulted players in our First XV.
You do know how that sounds, right?
I think it was a fair fight.
But as a result, Anthony here has quit the rugby team
and we're concerned it could affect his entire future.
Well, I want what my kids want.
And what do you want, Anthony?
Remember what we talked about.
It's okay, son.
If you wanna play rugby, I want you to play rugby.
If you wanna play snakes and ladders,
you play snakes and ladders.
Spit it out.
I don't wanna play.
You are gonna play!
Don't be a fucking idiot.
Would anyone like a cup of tea?
Not for me.
No, thanks, love.
Mr. Bull?
He's fine, thanks, Christine.
I believe Clem was just leaving.
Why don't you boys get back to class?
Go.
That's not the way I imagined that going.
I can see why you're scared of her.
Do I look like the scared type to you?
Alan, please come in.
Take a seat.
We need your signature.
Can I ask what for?
We wanna get the ball rolling
in terminating Miss Percival's contract.
Well, we've never terminated anyone's contract before.
On what grounds?
Lateness, misconduct, days absent,
foul temper, colourful dresses.
Jeepers, take your pick.
I don't think I want to do that.
What difference does it make to you?
You're leaving anyway.
I think the ministry might have some concerns
if they find out there's been a racially motivated dismissal
in our famous school.
Alright, let's all just calm down.
How about Miss Percival gets to keep her job
but no more choirs?
That way, well, she still has a job,
but the board also gets something.
She breaks the rules one last time
and I will drag her out of here myself.
And to top matters off, the board have decided
that after the unfortunate events
at assembly the other day,
the choir has been officially cancelled.
Thank you.
Okay to come in, miss?
It's okay, Sophie.
I don't need you to get the choir.
Well, they are already here, miss.
We've got you, miss.
Well, what are we standing around for?
Let's prepare for the regionals.
Sophie, have you chosen a song for us?
The song I have chosen began its life through tragedy.
A businessman sent his wife and four daughters
on a ship that was headed to England.
During the voyage,
the ship sank and his daughters were lost.
Rushing to be reunited with his survived wife,
he passed over the lonely waters where his girls perished
and penned the words to this song
in tribute to the loving memory of his daughters.
Thank you, Sophie.
Nice work.
Well, come on.
Let's go!
Rawr.
Rawr!
One, two, three, four
We don't care what flag you're waving
Zi, zi, zi, zi, zi, zi, zi, zi
Za, za, za, za, za
We don't even want to know your name
- Hey! - Oh!
Hey.
Oh!
Tss, tss. Free the people now
Do it, do it, do it, do it, do it now
Free the people now
Do it, do it, do it, do it, do it now
Free the people now
Do it, do it, do it, do it, do it now
Jeepers, there you are.
We're almost on.
You look beautiful.
I'm not.
Don't say that.
How are you feeling?
Nervous.
That's good.
You're supposed to feel that way.
Miss, I wanted to say sorry for the lavalava thing.
Hey.
You do not need to apologise for anything.
I wanna give you something.
Whatever happens,
I want you to promise me
that you will not stop singing.
I won't.
Good.
Let's go and rock their socks off.
It is well
With my soul
It is well
With my soul
It is well
With my soul
When peace like a river
Attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot
Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious
Past and present alumni require us
to protect our school and our community.
Miss Percival has clearly ignored formal requests
to discontinue her choir
and in attending the Big Sing competition
has brought our school into disrepute.
The board has no choice
but to terminate Miss Percival's contract
effective immediately.
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, o my soul
And Lord, haste the day
When the faith shall be sight
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll
And the trump shall resound
And the Lord shall descend
Even so it is well with my soul
It is well
With my soul
Then peace like a river
And attendeth my way
It is
Well
Okay, thank you, everyone.
Thank you for coming.
So we do need to let you know
that Mrs. Percival is in hospital.
Wait, what?
But let me be clear.
None of you have permission to visit her, I'm sorry.
Look, I know this is perhaps a sad time,
but I wanted to come
and personally deliver you some good news.
You made the Big Sing final.
Sir, what about Miss Percival?
Son, Miss Percival no longer works here.
Surely you can do something, file an appeal!
Shit, I don't bloody know!
Oh my God.
I'm so sorry.
Look, we've already reached out
to the best choir director in the country.
Sir, we don't want the best.
Our rules require that you have a choir director.
Sir, if you don't mind,
we actually know someone who'd be perfect for the job.
You know, your choir has been practising relentlessly,
something about preparing for the Big Sing final.
I think you might have done a little bit more
than just what was required of you.
I'm pretty happy with what I got.
I have to admit,
that's something I'm struggling to understand.
Motherly instinct, Alan, something you wouldn't get.
They're going to miss you.
They're gonna miss us both.
Well, maybe not.
I've decided to stay.
What's a parent without their kids, eh?
Maybe you do get it.
Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you
for everything.
No, Alan.
Thank you.
Hey, Soph.
Mum,
I need your help.
Nearer, my God, to thee
Welcome, everyone, to the Big Sing 2014.
Nearer to thee
E'en though it be a cross
That raiseth me
Still all my song shall be
Tulou.
Hi.
She's been waiting for you.
She said you'd come.
Okay.
Come.
Nearer, my God, to thee
Nearer to thee
Mmm
Though like the wanderer
The sun gone down
Darkness be over me
My rest a stone
Yet in my dreams, in my dreams
I'd be nearer, my God, to thee
Nearer, my God, to thee
Nearer to thee
There let the way appear
Steps unto heaven
All that you send to me
In mercy given
Tonight was a culmination
of the hard work of thousands of students
showcasing New Zealand's finest choral music.
What a night it's been.
And now, it's time for our final choir!
Or if on joyful wing
Cleaving the sky
Sun, moon, and stars
Up next, we have-
I need you to lead.
St. Francis of the Assisi!
I can't, I can't.
Please.
Okay.
You have all been absolutely amazing.
Give yourselves a round of applause.
Sorry, folks.
I'm not really sure what's going on
but it appears our final choir for the night,
The Assisi Singers, have forfeited.
Oh, they're coming out after all.
St. Francis College Assisi Singers.
And turn.
Aah aah aah aah oh
Mili, mili, mili, mili, mili.
Patia.
Lua pati.
- Hey, hey! - - Ho!
- Hey, hey! - Ho!
Tolu tolu fa!
Lalo!