Once Were Warriors [IMPORT]

Starring:Rena Owen, Temuera Morrison, Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell, Julian Arahanga, Taungaroa Emile, Rachael Morris Jr., Joseph Kairau, Cliff Curtis, Pete Smith (III), George Henare, Mere Boynton, Shannon Williams, Calvin Tuteao, Ray Bishop, Ian Mune, Te Whatanui Skipwith, Rangi Motu, Robert Pollock, Jessica Wilcox, Stephen Hall (II)
Director: Lee Tamahori
Studio: Pid
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

New Zealand filmmaker Lee Tamahori (The Edge) directed this brutal but powerful story drawn from the culture of poverty and alienation enveloping contemporary Maori life. Rena Owen plays the beleaguered mother of two boys--one of whom is already in prison while the other contemplates membership in a gang--and a daughter whose potential is being smothered at home. Temuera Morrison gives an outstanding and sometimes shocking performance as the violent head of the household, more adept at keeping up his social stature within his community of friends than holding down a job. The film pulls no punches, literally and figuratively, but despite the rough going, Tamahori gives us a rare and important insight into a disenfranchised people digging down deep to find their pride. --Tom Keogh

Album Description

Asian only All Code / NTSC DVD. A 1994 New Zealand film starring, Rena Owen & Temuera Morrison. Directed by Lee Tamahori (Along Came A Spider, Mulholland Falls, The Edge, The Sopranos). Leonard Maltin says, 'Shattering drama about a poor, urbanized Maori family, and the wife's growing realization that she can no longer endure her ``macho'' husband's abuse--both physical and psychological. Striking and powerful film marks Tamahori's directing debut; trenchant script by Riwia Brown, based on Alan Duff's novel, a best-seller in New Zealand. Not to be missed.' Please note this DVD carries un-removable / burned-in Chinese subtitles.

Customer Reviews:

Powerful and moving.......2007-06-29

I could watch this moving over and over again and still be very affected. The tale of this family and their issues was portrayed in a powerful way.
The two sons' and their acting out in rebellious ways was very realistic. I can't even speak on the oldest daughter's story as it makes me cry out in angst.
The abuse suffered at the father's hand and the mother's acceptance as if the norm was disturbing, yet, real... too real.
It was hard to see the father attempt to redeem his family through violence. He was so very violent and warped it was painful to watch.
The director's choice of color and Smokey filters added to the vivid imagery.
I recommend the movie to all students of film and cinematography as well as those interested in what a great screenplay looks like.

Great movie, but very depressing.......2007-06-29

I saw this movie while in Australia visiting my wifes family. About 8 of us sat and watched a DVD version there. They had all seen it and were familar both with the movie and the problems with the Moari culture - very similar to the US American Indian reservations. When this movie was over everyone was speechless. Very well written and thought provoking movie. Do not think that this is an uplifting movie or a happy everafter movie - it is not.

great kiwi movie.......2007-06-27

great movie... don't watch alone as this is a very power movie about a dysfunctional family in new zealand

Absolutely powerful.......2007-05-22

This is the most powerful movie that shows domestic violence and sexual assault that I or my associates have seen. It is remarkably well done and tasteful, but very powerful. I show it to domestic violence, anger management and sexual assault clients in my practice.

Moving but disturbing story of a urban Maori family .......2007-03-04

When I first watched Once Were Warriors I had no idea of what to except. From the jacket I knew it was drama that centered around the lives of a urban Maori family living in Aukland, New Zealand. Being that I am an American fasinated with American urban life I decided to give Once Were Warriors a try. I am gratified with the end result but also shocked by many of the depictions. Life for a Maori seems plagued with many of the ills that you find in urban areas in most metropolitan or even smaller towns and cities in America.

From my reserch I understand that Once Were Warriors was written by a Maori novelist that grew up in a neighboorhood similar in Wellington. I cannot judge on how realistic his depictions are but he definately does present a very engaging story.

The film made me feel the emotions of every single member of the Heike clan. Ultimately, I felt sympathy for all the characters including Jake. Jake was a tragic figure that was a loveable monster. Of all the characters, I felt the most sympathy for Grace who had an ambition to make it out of her surrounding a be more. I will not spoil the movie but say that what happens to Grace literally turned my stomach in disgust. Just for the initial reaction shows how power this film is and why exactly it deserves a 5 star rating.

Just a note: I would like to see more movies done about the Maori people that showcase also the indigenous culture and spirtual traditions of the Maori. Once Were Warriors was nice but I would like also some other kind of Maori films as well.

Average customer rating:

Powerful and moving
Great movie, but very depressing
great kiwi movie
Absolutely powerful
Moving but disturbing story of a urban Maori family

Once Were Warriors [IMPORT]
Starring: Rena Owen , Temuera Morrison , Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell , Julian Arahanga , and Taungaroa Emile
Director: Lee Tamahori
Manufacturer: Pid
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

( O ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B00005OKVO
Release Date: 2001-09-04

Amazon.com

Album Description

Customer Reviews:

Powerful and moving.......2007-06-29

Great movie, but very depressing.......2007-06-29

great kiwi movie.......2007-06-27

great movie... don't watch alone as this is a very power movie about a dysfunctional family in new zealand

Absolutely powerful.......2007-05-22

Moving but disturbing story of a urban Maori family .......2007-03-04

Once Were Warriors [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.4 Import - Australia ]

Average customer rating:

Once Were Warriors [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.4 Import - Australia ]
Director: Lee Tamahori
Manufacturer: Magna Pacific
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Art House & International | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Foreign & International | Stores | DVD | Video
ASIN: B000C4P65I

Product Description

Australia released, PAL/Region 4 DVD: it WILL NOT play on standard US DVD player. You need multi-region PAL/NTSC DVD player to view it in USA/Canada. Languages: o English (Dolby DTS) o English (Dolby Digital 5.1) Synopsis: This powerful drama was a major hit in its native New Zealand, outgrossing Jurassic Park in Kiwi cinemas. Jake and Beth Heke (Temurea Morrison and Rena Owen) are a couple of Maori descent who are living in a slum in Aukland. While it's obvious that they still love each other, Jake's alcoholism has driven a wedge into their relationship and has left their children emotionally scarred. Jake is charming while sober, but when drunk, he's a violent psychopath given to blink-of-an-eye mood changes and terrible cruelty against his loved ones. Liquor has also made it difficult for Jake to hold onto a job, leaving him dependent on the dole to feed his family. Nig (Julian Arahanga), Jake's oldest son, has turned his back on his father and joined a gang of Maori youths whose initiation rituals include tattooing and torture. Jake's 13-year-old daughter Grace (Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell) prefers to spend her time with her drug-addicted boyfriend -- rather than stay home and fight off the advances of her father's friends. And Boogie (Taungaroa Emile) ends up in juvenile hall when Jake's drinking prevents him from going to court to speak on Boogie's behalf. Once Were Warriors was based on an acclaimed novel by Alan Duff. Special Features: o Biographies o Cast/Crew Interview(s) o Commentary o Featurette o Interactive Menu o Making Of o Music Video o Scene Access o Short Film o Teaser(s)

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