Time: 102 Minutes
Age Rating: R16 – Graphic violence
Cast:
Rena Owen as Beth Heke
Temuera Morrison as Jake “the Muss” Heke
Julian Arahanga as Nig Heke
Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell as Grace Heke
Cliff Curtis as Uncle Bully
Director: Lee Tamahori

Once Were Warriors has always been one of the famous New Zealand movies that I heard so much about and hadn’t gotten around to. It was also the debut film of Lee Tamahori, who would be more defined by his action movies like Die Another Day and The Edge. It was definitely deserving of the high praise and reputation.

Once Were Warriors is a brutal, unflinching and uncompromising look at domestic violence, toxic masculinity, substance abuse and unhealthy family dynamics. It’s a bleak world that is depicted but there is a purpose to the violence. It’s brutally honest while managing to not feel exploitative.

The highlight of the movie is the amazing acting. Rena Owen delivers a raw, vulnerable and powerhouse performance, and Temuera Morrison is stellar as a complex, complicated and truly volatile character. Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell is also fantastic as their daughter, the rest of the cast including Cliff Curtis are also great.

Lee Tamahori’s direction is really good. It is a bit rough around the edges with the style and editing, but overall it is well shot and made.

Once Were Warriors is harrowing, hard hitting, and powerful, incredibly directed and with some outstanding performances.