There is a real problem with Overseas critics. To really understand this film, u must first understand the Maori culture. This is a great film, and really hit home to most Kiwis. The sad thing is this still goes on in NZ even as we speak. Sensitive and compelling - sad but oh so true!!!

Thought the movie was awsome and inspiring to those that are in situation like so. It's not only about the Maori, but every other PERSON that experiences this. Even those w/ the heavy hand. Even those that don't know the experience can open their eyes to what happens to other people. My husband couldn't understand or comprehend that this happens to real people in other cultures. How unrealistic and close minded!! It's not about the Maori, but all people in the situation. Maori films seem to have the raw emotions, the violence, sex, and nudity that most film makers would shy away from. Only from such bold people can a film like this come. And w/ their rich heritage, it implies more of the loss from the old ways. It's a remarkable film, but be prepared to gasp and cry.

best POLYNESIAN movie that you ask for, havent seen it yet, I strongly suggest that you see it now......

well bigg wel done 2 de cru, great movie, ashame de hottest boi in de film dies in wat becums de broken hearted. But apart from dat it was excellent and i love 2 songs n tatoos.. P.S: You want sum eggs???? lol.. Peace Outt Otara Stylez

I MYSELF AM OVERWELMED WITH THIS MOVIE.. I THINK THAT IT WAS SO EXCELLENT IT SHOULD OF BEEN SHOWED TO EVERYBODY AROUND THE WORLD, IT SHOULD OF MADE THE "BIG SCREEN"... I MYSELF BEING A YOUNG TEEN FROM THE ISLANDS OF SAMOA UNDERSTAND WHAT US "POLYNESIANz & PACIFIS ISLANDERz" GO THROUGH AND THIS MOVIE EXPLAINz IT ALL... THE ABUSE MAY SEEM SO HARSH IN THE MOVIE BUT JUST TO THINK IT HAPPENz EVERYDAY IN A POLYNESIAN FAMILY... I SEND MADD LOVE TO THE DIRECTOR AND THE CAST MEMBERz OF THIS MOVIE... I CANT WAIT TO SEE WHAT ELSE YOU GUYz HAVE IN STORE FOR US!!! MUCH ALOFAz TO YOU & YOURz AND KEEP IT COMING...

The movie was da . They really know how to show how a mother's love is needed, especially with a husband like jake. They did a lot of cultural things about the Mouri and New Zealand, i love the accent and their dances.

The reviewer of this movie sounds a bit racist and makes it sound as though violence in New Zealand is only happening in Maori homes, but in actual fact it happens all over the world to many different people. I think this movie gives a realistic insight to how some families live. We have just watched this movie in our 6th form english class, many people have said that young people of our age should not watch movies such as this but I disagree because this movie deals with many issues that the youth of today have to deal with eg. rape, drug use, violence etc. Many peopple in NZ say 'typical bloody Maoris' but this movie applies to everyone not just Maoris.

ITS AN AWESOME MOVIE WHEN I FIRST SAW IT I WAS ABOUT 8 AND I CRIED BUT WHEN I WATCH IT NOW IT SHOWS U WHATS GOIN ON AROUND THE CORNER

In regard to the review of "once were warriors" yes the movie was to a high degree violent. However at no time in the movie is Jake caught in an intimate relationship with another woman. To comment in detail how in particular this male Maori violently behaves and how highly inappropriate it is reminds me of a "pick and choose" review. At no time does the impact of colonisation, alienation, economic hardship or urbanization that Maori have experienced throughout their history cross the page of this review. In conclusion, i find this review bias in nature and far from objective.

once were warriors is the most strongest and powerful film anyone will likely see. as an aboriginal i can relate to the issues. and this movie brings it to you.

Excellent movie. I never grew up in that kind of abuse that went on but I knew it was happening in our society. The good thing I liked was she got out. HOW MANY OTHER WOMEN ARE STRONG ENUF TO GET OUT OF THAT LIFE... DID THE MOVIE TEACH THEM SOMETHING???

This film was very well highlighted especially for New Zealanders, we tend to sit on the fence and not face the issues as a society but in small community groups. This film initiated the move to address these issues nationally and became a major force of resolution. Personally I grew up with violence throughtout my childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Gangs have been a major lifestyle for me and my family, surviving the cruelty of such lifestyle and moving on to a positive change has allow the work I do in the field of violence, abuse, alcohol, drugs, crime, gangs and understanding that I'm an asset to all who fall in the above category to help and support a positive change in life! As a Maori woman, the Maori people have suffered a lot however I do believe it is an independent choice either to be the victim whether it's self inflicted or based on History or do something about it such as, For Things To Change, First I Must Change, self explanatory!

I loved the movie, not because it's from home but because it wakes you up and makes you smell the roses, good job crew, teno pai.

I am of Maori decent, and I feel that the violence in New Zealand is not only happening to the Maori, but to European and Pacific Island families also. It is happening in all families around the world. But it took one person's veiws to do it as a movie. To speak up and say that it is happening in our society. This movie is definately an eye opener, not only for Maori, but for all racfes around the world. Not only the poor suffer but so do the rich.

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This brings back memories of my own life and things I have witnessed. This movie really hits home. Movie was done very well.

I am 15 years old and watched this movie when I was 14 and it completly opened my eyes to how women are treated in other cultures and makes me a stronger les susceptibale to people expecially males pushing me around thank you.

I love the rawness of this movie. The characters are deep and involved. I saw this movie in 1996 and bought it asap....excellent.

I think the movie was excellent. The movie shows how some people actually go throught this everyday. And watching it, makes you learn morals and lessons. Excellent actors as well.

I really liked the movie, I can't say I enjoyed it because of the abuse,but I've watched it a few times. Characters were great. I am a First Nations woman born and raised in BC, Canada. Almost everyone I have spoken to has witnessed the violence and abuse shown in the film, the treatment centre's use it as part of their healing journey. The movie hits home. I am also involved in the talent industry and I hope those actors keep on. ***** Aixgwelas

this will hit you back to reality and then youll realise what kind of world your living in

one of the saddest movies i have ever seen in my life. whats even sadder is that it's actually true. if you have'nt seen it- see it.

i think that the movies was good and well made. The actors/actresses were good at the job and played good roles for there characters. Well done guys/gals :)

A film on many levels- clearly showing, Poverty,racism,male violence-most importantly this film offers these themes and others from both a male and female point of wiew

Interesting for a forign film. From an obscure small country in the southern hemisphere, so impressed with the level of thought. well done kiwi's. r