Once Were Warriors (1994) R - 4 Stars

If you liked the passion in the Maori culture, you'll like this movie. I've actually seen it twice now and I think it's a great movie. Definitely a depressing movie but great acting. When the movie first opened in New Zeland, it caused an uproar as many viewed the movie as an accurate depiction of what was occurring in low socio-economic neighborhoods there. The movie also caused an increase in popularity of Kirituhi (skin art) and Maori tattooing.

Jake (Temurea Morrison) and Beth Heke (Rena Owen) have been married for 18 years and have been living with their children in somewhat poverty. Jake can't seem to hold a job because of his drinking. When Jake is sober, he is a very sweet guy but as soon as he gets together (which is almost every night) with his friends to drink at his home, the fireworks start. Beth always stands by her man but life is becoming more difficult when Jakes anger turns to domestic violence. Now his friends are making advances on his daughter Grace (Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell), and Nig (Julian Arahanga), the oldest son has marked his body in the old Maori way and hits the street as a bad ass. Boogie (Taungaroa Emile) looking for attention ends up in juvenile hall. Each member of the family will succumb to a chain reaction of unfortunate events.

Fine Line Features
Director: Lee Tamahori
Writer: Riwia Brown
Producer: Robin Scholes

I viewed 9/07