Kingpin

The most refreshing aspect of Kingpin is the total lack of apologist preaching […]. It is a positive sign of Walker’s understanding and respect that he doesn’t make up facile excuses for them [the boys]. Tough minded it may be, but the compassion of Kingpin’s outlook is touching too.

– Reviewer Costa Botes in The Dominion, 19 May 1986

Kingpin is the right kind of film for us to be making in New Zealand. It is about love and human being; it is clumsy but stylish. It strikes a blow for life. It is sensitive and caring. This film is one from the heart.

– Director Sam Pillsbury, in a contemporary review

...Kingpin is a strong, tense, heart-warming film that, while granting the actors sufficient space to develop their characters convincingly, moves at a steady pace, incorporating some fine bopping from Nui Satele (New Zealand break champ), gripping fight scenes and a car crash stunt that ranks as one of the most effective I have seen on the screen . . .  a movie that sustains interest, attention and credibility. It should not be ignored.

– Reviewer Mike Chunn in The NZ Herald, October 1985

Mitchell Manuel as Riki has starred in only one other project . . . while Nicholas Rogers as Karl and Junior Amiga as Willie have had no previous screen experience at all. Their spontaneous performances amply make up for their lack of experience.

– Reviewer Mike Chunn in The NZ Herald, October 1985

It's a moving, compelling story told in a simple style that captures the tender and funny moments as effectively as it mirrors brutality. It's authentic, honest and gutsy. The raw energy of the film is charged by the spirit of the kids; their language, their music, and their dance.

– Reviewer Helen Martin, in The Listener , 5 October 1985