Reader comments
Once Were Warriors

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

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

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 :)

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

blah...

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.

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.

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!

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???

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.

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.

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

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.