Deseret News | Movie review: Once Were Warriors

Reader comments
Once Were Warriors

Helen | 8:45 a.m. July 22, 2000

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

Bezulk Yamond | 9:59 p.m. July 18, 2000

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

Helen | 8:45 a.m. July 22, 2000

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

Comments continue below

spac3bal3e | 9:50 p.m. Oct. 16, 2000

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 :)

janet lilo | 9:21 p.m. April 25, 2001

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.

Luke Mataika Heke | 7:20 p.m. June 19, 2001

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

Sylvia Woods | 7:13 p.m. Feb. 9, 2002

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

Becky | 1:34 p.m. March 14, 2002

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.

pen | 10:30 a.m. March 19, 2002

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

whitney Eldridge | 4:59 p.m. April 18, 2002

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.

Dewey | 9:44 p.m. May 10, 2002

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

Student | 7:58 p.m. Oct. 8, 2002

blah...

Moana Jacobs | 5:11 p.m. Dec. 15, 2002

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.

Renae | 10:47 p.m. Jan. 14, 2003

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.

Bobby Kahaki | 3:53 a.m. March 12, 2003

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!

jenny | 10:31 p.m. March 15, 2003

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???

clayton | 8:43 p.m. April 7, 2003

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.

j.p | 2:15 p.m. April 9, 2003

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.

WATENE | 7:11 p.m. April 26, 2003

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

?? | 9:54 p.m. May 18, 2003

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.

crystal kalakau | 7:35 p.m. May 28, 2003

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.

Teine Samoa | 7:58 p.m. June 24, 2003

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...

Treanna | 10:23 p.m. July 10, 2003

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

NASE | 9:19 p.m. Aug. 9, 2003

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

Chung | 3:10 p.m. Aug. 29, 2003

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.

Annie O'hara | 3:11 p.m. Sept. 8, 2003

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!!!

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Movie Info

Rated R for violence, profanity, vulgarity, nudity, sex, drug use.

Cast: Rena Owen, Temuera Morrison, Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell.

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