Who is older?

I just re-watched the film for the first time in five years and realized I don't know the answer to this question. Right now I just re-watched the first 30 min. assuming I'd find some hint, but no luck.

In the production notes the director clarifies they are one year apart, but he doesn't say who is older.

I assume it is Matteo, and not just because he is the more "serious" one.

This birth order may help explain his strained relationship with his mother. Think about it: before he's two he has to adjust to her shifting her attention to another newborn, then when he is older he has to deal with her spending more time with her students, and then finally another sister is born. I'm not saying a lack of maternal bond is a death sentence (heck, children with much more traumatic early years have grown up to be functional and happy), but just that it would fit with his other issues.

On the other hand, there is no indication that one boy is ahead of the other in school. This would be possible if Matteo was the younger one and - genius that he is - skipped a grade at some point.

I think Nicola is older. He acts more like the older brother, for example in the scene where Matteo says he is going to become a police officer, the scene where he is suggesting Matteo should see his parents, etc.

Also, in the photos that Mirella and the grandmother were looking at, Nicola clearly seems to be the older one.

I believe the birth order is:

the sister who becomes a judge
Matteo
Nicola
the sister who marries the friend


"My name is Paikea Apirana, and I come from a long line of chiefs stretching all the way back to the Whale Rider."