Once Were Warriors (1994) 8.0
A family descended from Maori warriors is bedeviled by a violent father and the societal problems of being treated as outcasts. Director:Lee Tamahori |
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Once Were Warriors (1994) 8.0
A family descended from Maori warriors is bedeviled by a violent father and the societal problems of being treated as outcasts. Director:Lee Tamahori |
|
0Share... |
Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Rena Owen | ... | ||
Temuera Morrison | ... | ||
Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell | ... | ||
Julian Arahanga | ... | ||
Taungaroa Emile | ... | ||
Rachael Morris Jr. | ... | ||
Joseph Kairau | ... | ||
Cliff Curtis | ... |
Bully
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Pete Smith | ... |
Dooley
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George Henare | ... |
Bennett
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Mere Boynton | ... | ||
Shannon Williams | ... | ||
Calvin Tuteao | ... |
Taka (Gang Leader)
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Ray Bishop | ... |
King Hitter (in pub)
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Ian Mune | ... |
Judge
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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. Written by Chris Maslin <maslinc@cad.canterbury.ac.nz>
This movie is based on a modern day New Zealand family, dealing with near poverty and violence from all sides, including the often inebriated father.
The acting in this movie was just plain amazing. I was hooked from beginning to end, entranced with the wide range of feelings and emotions the movie evoked in me.
You will cry, laugh, sing, and rage right along with the characters, and you will find it hard not to restart the movie just to watch it again.
This is just one of the few movies that stayed with me all these years, since first seeing it back in 1995. I will never forget this movie, and if you watch it, I can guarantee that neither will you.