Once Were Warriors poster

Once Were Warriors( 1994)

TV-MADrama
74%
User
Score

A family in crisis, a life in chaos... Nothing is more powerful than a mother's love.

Overview

A drama about a Maori family living in Auckland, New Zealand. Lee Tamahori tells the story of Beth Heke’s strong will to keep her family together during times of unemployment and abuse from her violent and alcoholic husband.

    Top Billed Cast

    1. cast image

      Rena Owen

      Beth Heke

    2. cast image

      Temuera Morrison

      Jake Heke

    3. cast image

      Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell

      Grace Heke

    4. cast image

      Julian Arahanga

      Nig Heke

    5. cast image

      Taungaroa Emile

      Mark 'Boogie' Heke

    6. cast image

      Rachael Morris Jr.

      Polly Heke

    7. cast image

      Joseph Kairau

      Huata Heke

    8. cast image

      Cliff Curtis

      Bully

    9. cast image

      Pete Smith

      Dooley

    10. cast image

      George Henare

      Bennett

    11. cast image

      Mere Boynton

      Mavis

    12. cast image

      Shannon Williams

      Toot

    13. cast image

      Calvin Tuteao

      Taka

    14. cast image

      Ray Bishop

      King Hitter

    15. cast image

      Ian Mune

      Judge

    16. cast image

      Robert Pollock

      Policeman

    17. cast image

      Donald V. Allen

      Jake's Mate (as Donald Allen)

    Social

    Review 1Discussion

    A review by Filipe Manuel Neto

    10
    Written by Filipe Manuel Neto on Mon May 29 2023
    **The power and importance of cultural roots.** This was the first New Zealand film I saw, at least as far as I remember and am aware of that. It's a violent film, with a raw brutality that shocks us by how authentic it sounds. Domestic violence? Child rape? It's not something you only see in the movies. It's something you see in a newspaper. That's what shocks us the most: knowing it's something real. And I warn you now: there are violent films, but this one is really intense and shocking... a lot. The film takes place in Auckland, in a poor suburb built by the State for people with very...

    Media

    Videos 1Backdrops 16Posters 21

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    Facts

    Status

    Released

    Original Language

    English

    Budget

    950000.00

    Revenue

    6700000.00

    Keywords

    • individual
    • suicide
    • rape
    • strong woman
    • tattoo
    • slum
    • funeral
    • alcohol
    • tradition
    • approved school
    • loss of loved one
    • despair
    • indigenous
    • ghetto
    • violent husband
    • new zealand
    • maori
    • lack of prospects
    • maori tradition
    • teacher
    • youth gang
    • crush
    • domestic violence
    • rebellious youth
    • alcohol abuse
    • incest
    • unemployment
    • auckland