Three Wise Cousins

Three Wise Cousins

Year: 2016

Runtime: 89 mins

Language: English

Director: Stallone Vaiaoga-Ioasa

ComedyDramaFamily

Adam, a 22-year-old New Zealand-born Samoan, finds himself falling for Mary. After a chance encounter, he discovers she desires a "real island guy," not someone she considers "plastic." Determined to impress her, Adam travels to Samoa and enlists the help of his cousins, who promise to teach him how to embrace his heritage and become the man she wants. This comedy follows Adam's journey as he seeks wisdom and love in a hilarious and unexpected adventure.

Hopeful
Happy ending
Emotionally light
Low intensity
Steady pacing
Simple story

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Timeline & Setting – Three Wise Cousins (2016)

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Time period

Location

New Zealand, Samoa

Adam is a New Zealand-born Samoan who returns to his homeland, Samoa, to learn Faʻa Sāmoa. The story contrasts his comfortable NZ lifestyle with the hard-working, communal life in Samoa. The setting highlights the cultural landscape, from urban homes in the diaspora to rural plantation life in Samoa.

🏝️ Island life contrast 🌍 Diaspora connection 🏞️ Pacific landscapes

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 06:11

Main Characters – Three Wise Cousins (2016)

Meet the key characters of Three Wise Cousins (2016), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Adam (as Neil Amituanai)

Adam is a young, ambitious man from New Zealand who wants to become a 'real island guy' to win Mary’s heart. He leaves his comfortable, screen-filled life to reconnect with his roots in Samoa. His journey tests his limits as he learns Faʻa Sāmoa and discovers a deeper cultural identity.

🎯 Ambition 🧭 Identity 💪 Transformation

Mary (as Gloria Ofa Blake)

Mary is the object of Adam’s affections, embodying the ideal of a 'real island guy' that motivates his quest. She represents the pull of tradition and cultural authenticity within the diaspora. Her presence anchors Adam’s motivation and emotional stakes in the story.

💖 Romance 🧭 Identity 👥 Social expectations

Tavita (as Fesuiai Viliamu)

Tavita is one of Adam’s cousins who eagerly guides him through Faʻa Sāmoa. He helps Adam learn practical skills and adapt to island life, showing patience and camaraderie.

🤝 Guidance 🪵 Practical skills 🏡 Community

Mose (as Vito Vito)

Mose is the other cousin who participates in teaching and supporting Adam’s transformation. He embodies teamwork and shared responsibility as they work on tasks together.

🤝 Family 🧭 Culture 🏗️ Hard work

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 06:11

Major Themes – Three Wise Cousins (2016)

Explore the central themes of Three Wise Cousins (2016), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧭 Identity

Adam grapples with who he is in relation to Samoan culture and his own self-image as he pursues Mary’s approval. The voyage back to Samoa forces him to question the persona he wants to project and the culture he belongs to. The film traces his evolving sense of belonging as he learns Faʻa Sāmoa and begins to own his heritage.

🤝 Tradition

Traditional practices define daily life in Samoa and become the medium through which Adam learns responsibility. From climbing coconut trees to cleaning the fale and building the umu, the cousins teach him collective labor and patience. The rituals of weaving, cooking, and community work reveal why these customs endure and shape identity.

🔥 Growth

Adam’s journey is a test of endurance as he wakes with the sun to tackle chores and adapt to a new pace. The effort to fit into the island way gradually earns him real, lasting self-respect. The transformation centers on discovering authentic self beyond surface appearances and bridging two worlds through family and tradition.

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 06:11

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