Once Were Warriors
Directed by
Lee Tamahori
Maori couple Jake and Beth Heke are deeply in love, but Jake's alcoholic-fueled rage turns into domestic violence that threatens to tear their family apart. As their home life grows increasingly dangerous, Beth must do all she can to protect their three children. Set against the backdrop of traditional tribal culture, this classic and controversial 90's indie sleeper hit put New Zealand on the cinema map.
Director & Cast
- Director: Lee Tamahori
- Starring: Rena Owen
- Starring: Temuera Morrison
- Starring: Cliff Curtis
Where to Watch
Trailer

Photos
Reviews
- "It is powerful and chilling, and directed by Lee Tamahori with such narrative momentum that we are swept along in the enveloping tragedy of the family's life."
- "A gut-grabber from New Zealand...that stays with you for days."
- "The actors...deliver authoritative yet sympathetic performances that get at the roots, or rootlessness, of their characters."
Winner
Best Foreign Film
Australian Film Institute
Best Foreign Film
Australian Film Institute
Winner
Best Film
New Zealand Film and TV Awards
Best Film
New Zealand Film and TV Awards
Winner
Audience Award
Rotterdamn Int'l Film Festival
Audience Award
Rotterdamn Int'l Film Festival
Winner
Critics' Award
Fantasporto Film Festival
Critics' Award
Fantasporto Film Festival
Winner
Best Actress
Fantasporto FIlm Festival
Best Actress
Fantasporto FIlm Festival
Winner
Special Jury Prize
Hawaii Int'l Film Festival
Special Jury Prize
Hawaii Int'l Film Festival
Winner
Grand Prix des Ameriques
Montreal World Film Festival
Grand Prix des Ameriques
Montreal World Film Festival
Winner
Best Actress
Montreal World Film Festival
Best Actress
Montreal World Film Festival
Winner
People's Choice Award
Montreal World Film Festival
People's Choice Award
Montreal World Film Festival
Winner
Bruce C Corwin Award
Santa Barbara Int'l Film Festival
Bruce C Corwin Award
Santa Barbara Int'l Film Festival
Official Selection
Toronto Int'l Film Festival
Toronto Int'l Film Festival
Official Selection
Chicago Film Critics Association Awards
Chicago Film Critics Association Awards