Once Were Warriors poster
FilmDrama

Once Were Warriors (1994)

R · 1994-09-02 · 1h 39m · EN
73%
User score
369 votes
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A family in crisis, a life in chaos... Nothing is more powerful than a mother's love.

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.

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Lee TamahoriDirector
Box office
$1.6M

Media

Top billed cast

Full cast & crew →
Rena OwenRena OwenBeth HekeTemuera MorrisonTemuera MorrisonJake HekeMamaengaroa Kerr-BellMamaengaroa Kerr-BellGrace HekeJulian ArahangaJulian ArahangaNig HekeTaungaroa EmileTaungaroa EmileMark 'Boogie' HekeRachael Morris Jr.Rachael Morris Jr.Polly HekeJoseph KairauJoseph KairauHuata HekeCliff CurtisCliff CurtisBullyPete SmithPete SmithDooleyGeorge HenareGeorge HenareBennettMere BoyntonMere BoyntonMavisShannon WilliamsShannon WilliamsToot

Keywords

Loss of loved oneViolenceSuicideStrong womanFuneralRapeCrushTeacherTattooIncestGhettoYouth gangAlcoholIndividualIndigenousDomestic violenceSlumIndependent filmAlcohol abuseDespairNew zealandRebellious youthUnemploymentViolent husbandTraditionMaoriMaori traditionApproved school Lack of prospectsAuckland

Movie DNA

Genre affinityDramaTheme affinityLoss Of Loved One · Violence · SuicideDialogue densityDramaEmotional intensityLoss Of Loved OneDirector preference123213Actor preference62347 · 15947 · 283305

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Frequently asked questions about Once Were Warriors

What is Once Were Warriors about?

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.

How long is Once Were Warriors?

Once Were Warriors has a runtime of 99 minutes.