Has it been nearly 30 years since this movie was released? Its worth seeing. Once Were Warriors is a powerful and deeply affecting film directed by Lee Tamahori, based on the novel of the same name by Alan Duff. Released in 1994, the movie delves into the struggles faced by a Māori family living in urban New Zealand. It tackles sensitive themes such as poverty, domestic violence, and the erosion of traditional cultural values. Through its raw and emotional storytelling, “Once Were Warriors” delivers a poignant and unflinching portrayal of a family in crisis. I still recall watching it with my friends, at a limited showing when it first came to America. We snuck booze into the theatre, and waited to laugh and howl at the scenes. I loved the movie. It was a story I hadn’t seen told before. I was mesmerized by the action and the dramatic storytelling, and to this day it’s still one of my favorite movies. I was not a fan of the 1999 follow up film called What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?

Set in the 1990s, the film follows the Heke family, led by the complex and deeply flawed character of Jake (played by Temuera Morrison) and his resilient wife, Beth (played by Rena Owen). Their lives are plagued by poverty, alcoholism, and violence, which not only affect them individually but also threaten to tear their family apart. The film’s narrative is driven by the journey of Beth, who fights to protect her children and preserve what remains of their cultural heritage. The performances by all of the actors in “Once Were Warriors” are exceptional, and quite a few went on to bigger things in cinema.

Rena Owen delivers a heartbreaking portrayal of a woman caught in a cycle of abuse and despair. Temuera Morrison brings a frightening intensity to the character of Jake, effectively showcasing the depths of his inner turmoil. Because Jake forgot the ways and rituals of his people he can only find expression through violence. His violence tears his family apart. One of Jake’s sons Nig follows his father’s ways by joining a gang and the other son Boogie is close to getting there.

There is a fantastic bar fight scene that shows Morrison’s ability to handle action scenes. Morrison would eventually go on to play the character Boba Fett in the Star Wars series of films, and The Mandalorian. The supporting cast, including Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell as the eldest daughter, delivers strong performances that enhance the film’s realism and emotional impact. One of the film’s standout aspects is its exploration of the haka ritual and its significance within Māori culture. The haka is a traditional Māori war dance that carries immense cultural and spiritual weight. In “Once Were Warriors,” the haka is portrayed as a symbol of strength, identity, and resilience. It serves as a powerful reminder of the family’s roots and the cultural heritage they are at risk of losing.

The haka scenes in the movie are particularly moving and evoke a deep sense of pride and unity. These moments highlight the importance of cultural practices in maintaining a sense of identity, especially in the face of adversity. In the movie Boogie learns to do Haka at the juvenile detention center. He begins to grow as a boy into a man, and breaks from his father’s ways. Through the haka, the characters find solace, strength, and a way to connect with their ancestors, showcasing the transformative power of cultural traditions. “Once Were Warriors” is not an easy film to watch due to its unflinching depiction of domestic violence. However, it serves as a necessary and thought-provoking exploration of the social issues plaguing society and the necessity of healing.

Rituals Are are Important to Warriors and Doing Them Should be Important to You