Piece of My Heart Poster

Piece of My Heart 2009

★ 6.01 votes90 min📅 2009-11-26

"Men go to war, women have babies"

Directed by Fiona Samuel, *Piece of My Heart (2009)* is a poignant drama that plunges into New Zealand's dark history of forced adoptions in the 1950s and 60s. Based on Renee's powerful novel *Does This Make Sense to You?

Director: Fiona Samuel

Cast

Rena Owen
Rena Owen
Kat
John Bach
John Bach
Mike
Emily Barclay
Emily Barclay
Young Flora
Michelle Blundell
Michelle Blundell
Elaine
Abigail Greenwood
Abigail Greenwood
Ani
Keisha Castle-Hughes
Keisha Castle-Hughes
Young Kat
Mark Clare
Mark Clare
Jim
Laurel Devenie
Laurel Devenie
Nurse Field

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Piece of My Heart (2009) about?

This gripping drama exposes the painful legacy of forced adoptions in mid-20th century New Zealand, where unwed mothers were coerced into giving up their babies. Through intimate storytelling, the film follows the lives of women whose voices were silenced, weaving a narrative of loss, resilience, and the long-overdue reckoning with injustice.

Who directed Piece of My Heart?

Fiona Samuel directed *Piece of My Heart*, bringing her signature emotional depth to this powerful exploration of historical injustice.

Who stars in Piece of My Heart?

The film features standout performances from Rena Owen, John Bach, Emily Barclay, Michelle Blundell, and Keisha Castle-Hughes.

Is Piece of My Heart (2009) worth watching?

With its raw honesty and strong performances, *Piece of My Heart* is a moving and important watch, especially for fans of historical dramas tackling real-world injustices. While it's emotionally heavy, its message of resilience lingers long after the credits roll.

How long is Piece of My Heart?

The film has a runtime of 90 minutes.

About Piece of My Heart (2009) — A Heartbreaking True Story of Forced Adoption

Directed by Fiona Samuel, *Piece of My Heart (2009)* is a poignant drama that plunges into New Zealand's dark history of forced adoptions in the 1950s and 60s. Based on Renee's powerful novel *Does This Make Sense to You?*, the film vividly portrays the emotional devastation inflicted on unwed and teenage mothers, whose lives were forever altered by societal expectations and institutional cruelty. With a raw and heartbreaking atmosphere, the story follows a generation of women stripped of their choices, their voices silenced by a system that prioritized shame over compassion.

Renowned for her evocative storytelling, Fiona Samuel crafts a deeply moving narrative that balances personal tragedy with quiet resilience. *Piece of My Heart* features standout performances from Rena Owen, John Bach, Emily Barclay, and Keisha Castle-Hughes, whose portrayals bring depth and humanity to the film's exploration of loss, motherhood, and reclaiming one's story. More than just a historical drama, it's a powerful testament to the indomitable spirit of women who fought to reclaim their piece of heart amid unimaginable pain.