Clapperboard with gold star, 'MOVIE TREASURES'

Once Were Warriors

Content Warnings

Overall Severity: 🔴 85/100
Total warning time: 10m 10s
Sex/Nudity: 🔴 70/100 (1m 55s)
  • 🔴 80/100 [00:30:45 - 00:31:20] A brief but intense scene of domestic sexual violence.
  • 🟡 60/100 [01:05:10 - 01:06:30] A scene with partial nudity and suggestive behavior.
Drug Use: 🟡 65/100 (2m 45s)
  • 🔴 70/100 [00:15:30 - 00:16:45] Characters drinking heavily and showing signs of intoxication.
  • 🟡 60/100 [00:45:20 - 00:46:50] Drug use depicted, including smoking and implied harder substances.
Violence: 🔴 90/100 (4m 40s)
  • 🔴 85/100 [00:20:15 - 00:21:30] A brutal fight scene with physical violence.
  • 🔴 95/100 [01:10:45 - 01:12:20] Graphic domestic violence scene with intense physical abuse.
  • 🔴 90/100 [01:30:10 - 01:32:00] A violent altercation resulting in severe injury.
Strong Language: 🔴 75/100 (50s)
  • 🔴 80/100 [00:10:05 - 00:10:20] Frequent use of strong profanity.
  • 🔴 70/100 [00:35:40 - 00:36:15] Aggressive verbal exchanges with strong language.
Once Were Warriors

Details for Once Were Warriors (1994)

Year: 1994
Certificate: A
Once Were Warriors Runtime: 102 min
Genre: Crime, Drama
IMDB: 7.9
Meta Score: 77
Votes: 31590
Gross: 2,201,126
Director: Lee Tamahori
Cast Stars: Rena Owen, Temuera Morrison, Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell, Julian Arahanga

Overview of Once Were Warriors:

A family descended from Maori warriors is bedeviled by a violent father and the societal problems of being treated as outcasts.

What is the main theme of Once Were Warriors?

The main theme of Once Were Warriors revolves around the struggles of a Māori family in urban New Zealand, dealing with issues such as domestic violence, alcoholism, and cultural identity.

Who plays the lead roles in Once Were Warriors?

Rena Owen stars as Beth Heke and Temuera Morrison plays Jake 'the Muss' Heke, the central characters in the film. Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell and Julian Arahanga also play significant roles as their children, Grace and Nig.

What cultural issues does Once Were Warriors address?

Once Were Warriors addresses cultural issues such as the loss of Māori identity, the impact of colonization, and the challenges faced by indigenous communities in urban environments.

Is Once Were Warriors based on a book?

Yes, Once Were Warriors is based on the 1990 novel of the same name by Alan Duff, which explores similar themes of family dysfunction and cultural disintegration.

What is the significance of the title Once Were Warriors?

The title Once Were Warriors reflects the lost warrior heritage of the Māori people, symbolizing how the characters have been disconnected from their cultural roots and traditions.