Tinā (2024): Cast, Ratings & Plot
Tinā is a 2024 comedy drama directed by Miki Magasiva, starring Anapela Polataivao as Mareta, Tiare Lily Savea and Beulah Koale. It runs 2 hours 4 minutes and was made on a reported $4.3 million budget. IMDb users rate it 7.8/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 4m (124 min)
- Director
- Miki Magasiva
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- New Zealand Film Commission
- Budget
- $4.3M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Tinā About?
The premise of Tinā without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Haunted by the loss of her daughter in the Christchurch earthquakes, she takes a temporary position as a substitute teacher at a prestigious school. There she discovers the pupils adrift, receiving little guidance, and she gradually becomes the mentor who offers them inspiration, compassion and the support they need to heal and grow.
Tinā Themes & Keywords
· 10 tags- private school
- teacher
- catholic school
- substitute teacher
- school
- school uniform
- choir
- singing
- new zealand
- samoan
Tinā Cast & Characters
Anapela Polataivao leads the cast as Mareta, with Tiare Lily Savea as Lanita Percival and Beulah Koale as Sio. Directed by Miki Magasiva; 16 actors are credited in all.
- Director Miki Magasiva
- Anapela Polataivao as Mareta
- Tiare Lily Savea as Lanita Percival
-
Beulah Koale as Sio - Korilee Duncan as St. Francis Student
Also Starring in Tinā
· 12 more- Dalip Sondhi Alan Hubbard
- Antonia Robinson Sophie
- Jamie Irvine Peter Wadsworth
- Tania Nolan Helen
- Zac O'Meagher Anthony Bull
- Talia Pua Mei-ling
- Caleb Nazzer Luke
- Matthew Chamberlain Father McAfee
- Nicole Whippy Rona
- Alison Bruce Caroline
- Quillan Denton St. Francis Student
- Amelia Stace Choralation Singer/St Francis Student
More from Miki Magasiva
One more film directed by Miki Magasiva: Tinā.
Tinā Reviews & Ratings
IMDb users rate Tinā 7.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 87/100, strongest in character & emotion (92) and weakest in story & flow (78).
Tinā Echo Score Breakdown
Overall, Tinā delivers a resonant blend of emotional storytelling and cultural celebration that has resonated strongly with audiences. Reviewers highlight its powerful lead performance, authentic depiction of Pacific community resilience, and a soundtrack that underscores the narrative’s uplift. The direction is noted for confident visual storytelling and measured pacing, while the humor interspersed throughout balances the drama. Consequently, the film emerges as a compelling, memorable experience that warrants recommendation and repeat viewings.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 90
ART: In terms of direction and visual composition, Tinā is commended for confident, deliberate storytelling and striking cinematographic choices. Reviewers note phenomenal composition and a polished aesthetic that supports the emotional tone. Editing maintains a measured pacing that allows scenes to breathe, enhancing both drama and humor. Overall, the film’s craft contributes significantly to its impact.
- Character & Emotion 92
CHARACTER: When evaluating acting and emotional depth, reviewers consistently praise the lead’s nuanced performance and the chemistry among the ensemble. Performances are described as powerful, authentic, and capable of eliciting both laughter and tears. Even critics acknowledge the believable portrayals despite occasional character inconsistencies. The combined talent of the cast reinforces the film’s emotional resonance.
- Story & Flow 78
STORY: Regarding plot structure and originality, the film weaves a familiar redemption arc with cultural specificity. Critics appreciate its moving, cohesive narrative and effective pacing, yet some point to formulaic elements and predictability that diminish novelty. Despite these concerns, the story remains engaging and emotionally compelling for most viewers.
- Sensory Experience 88
SENSORY: In terms of auditory and visual experience, reviewers highlight a vibrant soundtrack that showcases choral excellence and enriches the narrative. Sound design and musical performances are described as phenomenal and seamlessly integrated. Visual storytelling benefits from confident direction and striking compositions, creating an immersive atmosphere that supports both humor and drama.
- Rewatch Factor 85
REWATCH: The film’s emotional depth and cultural relevance encourage repeat viewings, as audiences report lingering impact and a desire to share it with others. Its blend of humor, music, and heartfelt drama creates a memorable experience that remains fresh upon subsequent watches. Consequently, Tinā scores highly on lasting appeal and recommendation potential.
-
IMDb 7.8 /10
1501 votes
Tinā Plot Summary
What happens in Tinā from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Mareta Percival [Anapela Polataivao] is a Samoan New Zealander who works as a teacher in a primary school in the low‑income Christchurch suburb of Aranui. On the day of the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, Mareta’s daughter auditions at the CTV Building and is killed during the quake. A grief‑stricken Mareta loses her sense of purpose in life while clinging to her Roman Catholic faith.
Full summary
The whole story of Tinā, scene by scene
Tinā Trailers & Videos
5 videos: 1 trailer, 3 clips and 1 featurette.
- Clip Official Clip - Don't Dream It's Over
- Clip Official Clip - New Job
- Clip Official Clip - Choir Practice
- Featurette Official Interview with Miki Magasiva and Anapela Polataivao
How Well Do You Know Tinā?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is Mareta Percival's occupation at the start of the film?
Seen Tinā?
Movies Like Tinā
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Tavake, Ngati and Teaching Sucks.
Tinā FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, budget, ratings and post-credit scenes of Tinā, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Tinā?
Tinā runs 2 hours 4 minutes (124 minutes).
When was Tinā released?
Tinā was released on October 3, 2024.
Who directed Tinā?
Tinā was directed by Miki Magasiva.
More films by Miki Magasiva Who is in the cast of Tinā?
Tinā stars Anapela Polataivao as Mareta, Tiare Lily Savea as Lanita Percival and Beulah Koale as Sio, among 16 credited actors.
What was the budget of Tinā?
Tinā had a reported budget of $4.3 million.
How is Tinā rated?
Tinā has 7.8/10 on IMDb.
Does Tinā have a post-credit scene?
No. Tinā has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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