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Once Were Warriors A community stricken with crime and poverty, a family plagued with domestic violence and substance abuse. This is the story of a woman that will stop at nothing and endure anything to keep her family together. Once Were Warriors is the passionate story of a troubled family living in the concrete jungle that is Auckland, New Zealand. Conquered some thousand years ago, by the Maori Warriors, a vicious Polynesian tribe, Jake Heke (Temuera Morrison) is a modern-day Maori not so quick to rise above tradition. The family is in peril as each character battles their own demons while trying to survive in a city that is fueled by unemployment and lawlessness. Beth Heke (Rena Owen) is strong woman and loving mother that is willing to die by the hands of the very family that she is so desperately trying to protect. This is a coming of age tale that vividly depicts the struggle of man verses nature. You almost feel bad for Jake, even though he is a decrepit wife beater and raging alcoholic. You feel bad, because in a sense it’s as if he doesn’t know any better. It is obvious that he loves his wife and children, and there are some very moving scenes with some touching moments shared between Jake and his family. The men of the Maori are warriors by nature as we soon see Jake’s three sons following down the same path of violence and self-destruction as their father. They have already lost their eldest son, Nig (Julian Arahanga), to gang life, and after a night of drunken brutality and wife-beating, it looks as if they will lose another. Boogie (Taungaroa Emile) is arrested, and neither Beth nor Jake show up to his hearing, Beth is too badly beaten, and Jake is spending another day of quality time down at the local pub. When Boogie is sentenced to remain in the custody of social welfare, this domino effect of male-pattern violence and instability has really begun to take it’s toll on Grace (Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell), the Heke's thirteen-year old daughter. Director Lee Tamahori vibrantly captures the everyday life of a modern Maori family. The musical score, combined with the dull scenery and drab camerawork help to really capture the sentiment of the film. His graphic approach to encompassing the reality that is New Zealand society is both touching and disturbing at the same time, but it is the culmination of the two that make this film one of the most powerful cinematic masteries to ever hit the big screen. This is a powerful film that explores the undying need for change. It is evident that Jake is a product of his environment, and breaking that cycle will be the biggest obstacle that the Heke family must overcome. Ultimately it is Beth’s strength that is able to save her family from the nature of the beast that has been bred into this society of warriors ruled by the tribal traditions of the past. To save her family, she must first save her husband from himself.Read full review
This movie was brought to my attention by a fellow educator. "Once Were Warriors" is a powerful, terrifying, poignant, and riveting insight into a world of Aboriginal people. Native women of all cultures are quiet in their amazing courage and strength. I believe that they are the strongest, most unassuming, people in the world. They are women who often work the miracle of holding the frayed edges of their families together in brutal poverty. These women walk in shoes very few of us could fill, and their heart-break is incomprehensible for those of us who have so much and take it for granted. Much has been stolen from all Indigenous peoples, and the very least we can do is glimpse into the truth that is life for so many. This movie will break your heart, but, I beg of you, don't look away. It is a story that needs to be told and, above all, believed. I am thankful for the courage of this movie. I pray my students will be brave enough to tell their stories with so much powerful honesty that we can no longer turn away.Read full review
Classic movie. Must have for youe collection. Enjoy sharing with friends.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This movie is one of my favorites.I saw it some years ago, and when I saw it on eBay, I had to get it.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I teach domestic violence classes for the court system through a private agency. I found this movie title on a list of suggested contemporary films to use in this type of class. The film touches on many of the topics I cover - the role of alcohol/drugs in domestic violence, the effects of abuse on women and children, and the cyle of violence. A powerful film!
