Insiders Guide was one of the highest rating series in New Zealand in 2005, and with good reason. In what can best be described as The Secret Life of Us meets Ghost,
this charming New Zealand series is an absolute surprise packet. It's
quirky, funny and insightful with fantastic writing and some excellent
performances, but more importantly - there are monks who play Xbox.
It follows the lives of eight individuals each on their
own separate journey in this self contained first series. Their
narratives at first appear disconnected from each other but are set off by
one spectacular incident (a violent ambulance crash) and from here their
stories are increasingly inter-woven, intersecting as each character
influences the others' fates. The Insiders Guide to Happiness explores
concepts as diverse as chaos theory, reincarnation, love, death and the
after-life. The series looks at life, love and above all, the every-day
pursuit of happiness. It uses an exciting mix of modern storytelling
techniques, including time-jumps, voice-over narration and multiple
storylines. Each of the 13 episodes is enitled after a chapter in the book The Insiders Guide to Happiness,
a book which the series narrator borrowed from the library minutes
before the accident. It is within these chapters what forms the
throughline of the series, and each of the episodes begins by posing a
question about how best to achieve happiness. There are numerous
philisophical questions to think about, which you will find your mind
drifting off to during episodes, as well as lessons to learn about
yourself that are subtly weaved within the story, adding something
extra to the proceedings. The tracking of so many different,
converging story threads, all with their own ample measures of
quirkiness, certainly challenge you as a viewer. However, once
you get past the odd accent of the characters, its clever attention to
detail in the scripting makes it so much more enjoyable than the usual
linear story-based series we have been subjected to in the past. The
major key to its success is that of the performances, particularly that
of narrator Matthew (Fasitua Amosa) and the endearing James (Will
Hall), the bloke from Wanganui turned unexpected reincarnation of Yu
Ku'an
Wu (A monk spititual leader). Like most TV serials, unless the viewer
can invest their intrest into each character as a legitimate person,
the show will never succeed. Thankfully, a real likeable and
relatable cast of youngsters have been asembled here - and I must
admit, after engrossing myself in this little world (13 one hour
episodes in just under a week) it sadly felt like I was saying goodbye
to old friends when the final climatic episode came to a close. Not
due to screen in Australia on SBS until June/July of 2006, it will be
intresting to see whether the show works just as well over a long
period. Coming in halfway through the series could be quite
confusing for viewers on account of all the re-incarnations,
time-travel, babies that text message and human bombs. As
for the DVD, it will be even more intresting to see if the show
continues to work with repeated viewing. Programs such as Secret Life
were fantastic during their first season, however, lacked their initial
charm upon repeated viewing several years later. Thankfully, NZ
producers have commisioned a prequel series enitled The Insiders Guide To Love, which contains an entriely new set of characters who should keep the show fresh. It
takes a lot to convince someone to pick up, let alone purchase, a TV
series that they may have never heard of and is filled with New
Zealand accents. However, it is strongly suggested that you take
a chance and pick up a copy of Insiders Guide, "it may just change your life". DVD
Extras There's
not to much in the way of extras here. But what do you expect
when you are already getting over 10 hours of entertaiment for under 40
bucks! There's the standard Photo Gallery and series
promo. However, there is a featurette of actor interviews which is
rather intresting - although short - in which the shows actors talk
about some of thier favourite moments from filming the series. Conclusion:
Movie 85% Extras: 30% | 
