MEET THE VALU FAMILI: 'BRUTAL LIVES - MO'UI FAINGATA'A'

Get to know the Valu famili from the first ever Tongan language drama series: 'Brutal Lives - Mo'ui Faingata'a'

The full series premieres here tomorrow night on the CoconetTV 

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Soane Valu 

Played by Joe Folau 

Soane, the ‘Shark’ Valu was the hope of the South Pacific. Twenty years ago, the Tongan boxer had the world at his feet and the hopes and dreams of the whole Pacific until it all came crashing down when he lost the challenge for the World Heavyweight title.  Too embarrassed to return to Aotearoa, Soane hid away in America for 20 years until he is confronted by his father’s spirit.  Soane returns home for his father but is too late.  He’s rejected by his three kids he left behind and his angry sister.  But his problems run far deeper when he discovers the family’s curse and the spirit that’s been tormenting him and his family. He must do what it takes to protect his loved ones.

‘Ofa Valu 

Played by Sesilia Pusiaki

The Tongan matriarch of the Valu family.  She’s trying to hold her family together after the loss of her father, Salesi.  ‘Ofa is doing a great job until Soane returns and brings back memories of the fight, her father’s pain and watching her brother reject her and his children.   She is on a mission to bring her family together.

Salesi Valu 

Played by Jason Manumu'a 

A domineering father, Salesi has always wanted the very best for his son, Soane but it comes at a cost.  He pushed Soane to get to the top of the boxing world and in doing so drove a wedge between the both of them.  When Soane loses his shot at the World Heavyweight title, Salesi never forgives his son.  When Salesi dies his spirit visits Soane in America. Even in his death, he’s guiding Soane. 

Ben Valu 

Played by Aisea Latu 

The oldest of the Valu siblings.  Ben is wary of his father Soane because he left his kids and didn’t provide for the family.  He took on the father figure and is protective of his little sister, Lupe.  He fiercely holds onto his Tongan values of love, respect and family even when it means life or death.

Tomasi Valu 

Played by Haanz Fa'avae-Jackson 

The middle child of Soane and Jasmine, Tomasi is mild but has the gift.  He immediately bonds with Soane upon his return from America.  He’s also the key to understanding the family curse but he’s also afraid of what he sees.

Lupe Valu 

Played by Ilaisaane Green 

The youngest and angriest of all of Soane and Jasmine’s children. Despite her hatred of her father, Lupe is most like Soane. She has followed in his footsteps and taken up boxing. Lupe is hurting and feels rejected by her father as he never returned after his big fight. She shows her anger and takes out her frustration on her dad at every opportunity. 

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* Cover image and all 'Brutal Lives - Mo'ui Faingata'a' images - Photo Credit: Matavai Taulangau