The Necessities of Life

In 1952, an Inuit hunter named Tivii with tuberculosis leaves his northern home and family to go recuperate at a sanatorium in Quebec City. Uprooted, far from his loved ones, unable to speak French and faced with a completely alien world, he becomes despondent. When he refuses to eat and expresses a wish to die, his nurse, Carole, comes to the realization that Tivii's illness is not the most serious threat to his well-being. She arranges to have a young orphan, Kaki, transferred to the institution. The boy is also sick, but has experience with both worlds and speaks both languages. By sharing his culture with Kaki and opening it up to others, Tivii rediscovers his pride and energy. Ultimately he also rediscovers hope through a plan to adopt Kaki, bring him home and make him part of his family.

Grosses

New Zealand
$4,596
Domestic ()
Summary Details
DistributorLimelight Distribution
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Opening$1,861
2 theaters
Release DateApr 15, 2010
MPAAPG
Running Time1 hr 42 min
GenresDrama
In Release261 days/37 weeks
Widest Release2 theaters
DateRankWeekend %± LW TheatersChange AvgTo DateWeekend
Apr 15-1830$1,861-2-$930$1,8611
Apr 22-2532$1,296-30.4%2-$648$3,4722
Apr 29-May 234$454-65%2-$227$4,4523
May 6-943$40-91.2%1-1$40$4,5964