Mental Notes, a film that traces the history of New Zealand's psychiatric institutions through the personal recollections of former patients, received excellent reviews in New Zealand’s three leading national newspapers this weekend.

The documentary received four stars from the Weekend Herald (2012 Newspaper of the Year), with critic Peter Calder saying “the film, which is informed by Marbrook's acute visual sense, could have been grim and depressing but it’s oddly full of life and charm” (full review here).

It was awarded five stars in the Herald on Sunday (2012 Weekly Newspaper of the Year) by Sarah Lang, who described it as “a valuable film that’s also riveting and inspiring” (review unavailable online).

And in the Sunday Star Times, Mental Notes was given four stars and dubbed “a must-see” by reviewer Sarah Watt (full review here).

These join earlier accolades from Onfilm reviewer Helen Martin, who said the film “will resonate with so many New Zealanders” (full review here), and Radio New Zealand, National and Dominion Post critic Graeme Tuckett, who recommended Mental Notes as “a stunning film: moving, funny, and – even though I hate this word – important. Go and see it.” (Full audio of radio review here.)

The film has also been warmly received by members of the mental health sector. Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand chief executive Judi Clements has endorsed Mental Notes as “a powerful documentary sharing the impact of psychiatric institutions on the lives of both residents and professionals. Although sad and grim in parts, it also has messages of hope and shows the benefit of human relationships and compassion to our mental health and wellbeing.”

“Not only does Mental Notes shine a light on an important part of our national history,” agrees Miriam Larsen-Barr, a mental health promoter from Mind and Body Consultants, “it also shines a light on our infinite capacity as human beings to endure extraordinary circumstances and go on to thrive in life.”

Toi Ora Live Art Trust manager Erwin van Asbeck describes the film as “both an intensely personal and humanely inspirational documentary”.

Taimi Allan, reTHiNK producer/director, says Mental Notes “dissolves the gap between the ‘normal’ people and those committed to an asylum … This film is a must-see for anyone who still believes people with an experience of mental illness should be locked away ‘for their own good’.”

“It was very important to me that the film was embraced by those working in the mental health community and people whose lives have been touched by mental illness,” says director Jim Marbrook, who worked on the film for three years. “Ultimately, though, the goal was to make a film that didn’t just appeal to a specialised audience, so it’s fantastic Mental Notes has proven to have universal appeal.”

Current cinema dates for Mental Notes

21 June onwards – the Paramount, Wellington 23 June onwards – the Academy, Auckland

21-22 & 25-26 June – the Metropolis, Dunedin

28 June onwards – the Victoria Picture Palace, Auckland

1 & 5 July – the Dome, Gisborne

5 July onwards – the Hollywood, Christchurch.

4 August only, 2pm & 8pm – the Cabana, Napier

• Mental Notes was made with the financial support of the Frozen Funds Trust, a feature film finishing grant from the New Zealand Film Commission, and a reTHiNK Grant from Mind and Body Consultants.