Once Were Warriors

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Once Were Warriors ★★★ 1994 (R)

Violent story of the struggling Maori Heke family, who have left their rural New Zealand roots to live in the city. Feisty mom Beth (Owen) is struggling with five kids and volatile hubby Jake (Heke), who's continuously out of work, boozing, and fighting. Eldest son Nig (Arahanga) has left home and joined a street gang and the rest of the kids hate Jake for beating up on their mother. They also fall victim to his temper and his habit of bringing his brawling, drunk buddies home-leading to further tragedy. Intense drama showcases great performances, with Owen honored as best actress at the Montreal World Film Festival. Based on the novel by Alan Duff. Feature-film directorial debut of Tamahori. 102m/C VHS, DVD . NZ Rena Owen, Temuera Morrison, Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell, Julian (Sonny) Arahanga, Taungaroa Emile, Rachael Morris, Joseph Kairau, Pete Smith; D: Lee Tamahori; W: Riwia Brown; C: Stuart Dryburgh; M: Murray Grindlay, Murray McNabb. Australian Film Inst. ‘95: Foreign Film; Montreal World Film Fest. ‘94: Actress (Owen), Film.