Once Were Warriors (1994)

Release date: 1995-03-03
Country: New Zealand
Language: English|Maori|Spanish
Director: Lee Tamahori
Production Co: Communicado Productions, New Zealand Film Commission, Avalon/NFU
Genre: Drama, Crime
Rating: 7.9/10
Length: 1h 42min

Storyline

Set in urban Auckland (New Zealand) this movie tells the story of the Heke family. Jake Heke is a violent man who beats his wife frequently when drunk, and yet obviously loves both her and his family. The movie follows a period of several weeks in the family's life showing Jake's frequent outburst of violence and the effect that this has on his family. The youngest son is in trouble with the police and may be put into a foster home while the elder son is about to join a street gang. Jake's daughter has her own serious problems which are a key element in the plot.

Plot Keywords

f rated, dysfunctional family, domestic abuse, gang violence, gang, new zealand, suicide, rape, husband wife relationship, warrior race, domestic violence, abusive husband, alcohol, marital abuse, ghetto, marriage, suicide by hanging, incest, martial arts, independent film

Short Review

Once Were Warriors has more to say than the traditional TV-movie about spousal abuse. But some viewers will have to pay a price: This is a movie that requires strength and fortitude to sit through.