Once Were Warriors

Released 1994
Stars Rena Owen, Temuera Morrison, Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell
Directed by Lee Tamahori
 
Set in urban Auckland (New Zealand) this movie tells the story of the Heke family. The Hekes are aborigines, who have been thrust into civilized poverty. Jake Heke is a violent man who beats his wife frequently when drunk, and yet obviously loves her and their children. The movie follows a period of several weeks in the family's life showing Jake's frequent outbursts of violence and the effect they have 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 is the sweetest member of the family, but she has her own serious problems.

I don't know if I can say I enjoy watching films like this, but I appreciate seeing them. They give me understanding of other cultures, like the Maori, and familiarity with situations like domestic violence. Once Were Warriors may be brutal to watch, but not all films have to be pleasant.

Summary by Bill Alward, 1998