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09.06.2016
Once Were Warriors
Directed by
Lee Tamahori
Amidst the mean streets of Auckland, Beth Heke (Rena Owen) lives with her husband Jake (Temuera Morrison) and their three children in a tenement house for native Maori. Jake’s battle with alcoholism frequently results in terrifyingly violent outbursts, but Beth’s unwavering devotion prevents her from seeing how much his rage is destroying their family until it is nearly too late.
Winner of nine New Zealand Film Awards, this groundbreaking adaptation of Alan Duff’s hard-hitting novel set local box office records and launched the international career of director Lee Tamahori.
Director & Cast
- Director: Lee Tamahori
- Starring: Rena Owen
- Starring: Temuera Morrison
- Starring: Cliff Curtis
Where to Watch
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Reviews
- "It is powerful and chilling, and directed by Lee Tamahori with such narrative momentum that we are swept along in the enveloping tragedy of the family's life."
- "A gut-grabber from New Zealand...that stays with you for days."
- "The actors...deliver authoritative yet sympathetic performances that get at the roots, or rootlessness, of their characters."