Based on the best selling 1990 novel By Alan Duff, Once Were Warriors, directed by Lee Tamahori is one of the most successful and influential Aotearoa/ New Zealand films of all time. With highly praised cinematography, editing and soundtrack, the film also features career defining performances by Rena Owen and Temuera Morrison.
Once Were Warriors tells the story of an urban Māori family, the Hekes, and portrays the harsh reality of domestic violence in New Zealand.
Both a loveable chap and a feared brute, Jake Heke is a slave to the drink (alcohol). Deeply in love with him, Beth chose Jake and left her home despite her family’s disapproval, eighteen years and five children later it will take all of her strength to save herself and her children from the man she loves.
The youngest children Huata and Polly live in fear of their father’s rage and do their best to find joy in simple pleasures. Oldest son Nig, disillusioned with his parents, seeks connection by joining a gang. Middle child and school truant Boogie gets apprehended by the police and must navigate court and youth systems with only the support of his sister Grace, who kind-heartedly looks out for everyone including her best friend Toot who lives in a wrecked car under a bridge.
It is through connection to their Māori culture that the family find hope and identity.
When the brutal abuse overwhelms innocent Grace, her tragic loss is the catalyst for Beth to leave Jake and take her children home.
“Festival/Awards: 1994 NZ Film Awards - Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Film Score, Best Soundtrack, Best Editing, Best Performance in a Dramatic Role (Male), Best Performance in a Supporting Role (Female), Best Juvenile Performance; 1994 Durban Film Festival - Best Film; 1994 Montreal Film Festival - Best Film, Best Actress, Most Popular Film, Ecumenical Jury Award; 1994 Venice Film Festival - Anica-Flash Best First Film Award; 1994 Hawaii Film Festival - Special Jury Award; 1998 Fantasporto Film Festival Portugal - Best Actress; 1995 Rotterdam Film Festival - Best Film, Special Jury Award; 1995 Santa Barbara Film Festival - Best Actress; 1995 San Diego Film Festival - Best Actress; 1995 Asia Pacific Film Festival - Best Supporting Actress; 1995 Australian Film Institure Awards - Best Foreign Film; 1995 Australian Critics Award - Best Foreign Film (jointly with Heavenly Creatures); 1995 SFFC, Antwerp Belgium - Social Film Prize; 2002 Summer School Film Festival-Czech Rep.” - New Zealand Film Commission; www.nzfilm.co.nz/film/once-were-warriors; 5/02/2014.