Adversity
What happens to Bella that changes everything for Ricky and Hec?
She dies
What is Ricky's full name?
Ricky Baker
Who gives Ricky a second chance when he arrives at the farm?
Bella
What does Ricky use/write when he is overwhelmed or stressed?
A Haiku
Who is the social worker who deals with Ricky?
Paula
Who first gives Ricky a strong sense of belonging at the farm?
Bella
What injury does Hec suffer in the bush?
His badly injures his ankle
Why might Ricky struggle to trust adults?
He has experienced instability, rejection and being moved between homes.
What does Bella give Ricky that helps him feel accepted?
A hot water bottle. As well as care, patience, a home and a sense of belonging.
What is the name of Ricky's dog?
Tupac
How does Ricky end up getting Hec labelled as a pervert? And who did this information get to?
Ricky described what Hec has been making him work hard in the bush, but this is misinterpreted as evidence that Hec has been mistreating him. This was to the Hunters.
How does Ricky's relationship with Hec change after Bella's death?
At first they are driven apart, but over time they become more dependent on and connected to each other.
Why do Ricky and Hec go bush?
They are trying to avoid being separated/caught after Bella's death and Ricky's fake death.
What label does Paula use to describe Ricky?
A 'bad egg'
How does Hec eventually become a role model for Ricky?
He teaches Ricky survival skills and ultimately develops a strong, caring relationship with him.
What happens when Ricky visits Kahu's family?
Kahu welcomes him, feeds him and gives him a safe place to stay. TK asks for a selfie
Who does Ricky meet when he leaves Hec to seek help for the injured ranger?
Kahu and TK
Why is Kahu's family important to Ricky?
They show him what a safe, welcoming and supportive family environment can feel like.
How does Hec's injury change Ricky's role in their relationship?
Ricky has to become the carer rather than the person being cared for.
Why does Ricky often behave as though he doesn't care about other people?
He has experienced rejection/being moved around and uses tough behaviour as a way of protecting himself.
What does Bella see in Ricky that other people fail to see?
His potential/good qualities rather than simply seeing him as a delinquent.
Why do Ricky and Hec eventually become fugitives in the bush?
Ricky's fake death and the circumstances surrounding Bella's death lead to a misunderstanding/manhunt, forcing them to hide.
Why does Ricky fake his own death?
He wants to avoid being taken away and believes he will be blamed after Bella's death.
Why does Ricky initially struggle to feel like he belongs at the farm?
He is used to rejection and instability and doesn't trust that the placement will last.
How does adversity help change the relationship between Ricky and Hec?
Being isolated and forced to depend on each other makes them develop trust, care and a stronger bond.
How does Ricky's behaviour challenge the stereotype of a "delinquent" teenager?
He shows that he can be caring, loyal and responsible, particularly when he looks after Hec.
How does Bella's influence continue to affect Ricky after her death?
Her acceptance and belief in him motivate Ricky to value belonging, relationships and doing the right thing.
Bonus 50 points - what does Ricky carry of Bella's that signifies this?
How does the public's perception of Hec differ from the reality of his character?
He is portrayed as dangerous/a criminal, despite being a caring person who is protecting Ricky.
Why is the newspaper's representation of Ricky and Hec important?
It shows how media representations can shape public perception and make people appear very different from who they really are.
What does the film suggest about what makes someone a family?
Family can be created through care, loyalty, acceptance and belonging, not only through biological relationships.