A family descended from Maori warriors is bedeviled by a violent father and the societal problems of being treated as outcasts.
From his most memorable scene to his worst audition, Lance Reddick rolls out the truth about his career.
Related News
-
Rena Owen explains her quest for unique roles
14 May 2019 | IF.com.au -
Cliff Curtis explains why working as a producer is so fulfilling
28 February 2019 | IF.com.au -
Cliff Curtis set to soar in James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ epics
27 February 2019 | IF.com.au
User Lists
Related lists from IMDb users
Share this Rating
Title: Once Were Warriors (1994)
Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below.
22 wins & 6 nominations.
See more awards »
Learn more
More Like This
Crime
|
Drama
|
Thriller
Director:
Ian Mune
Stars:
Temuera Morrison,
Rena Owen,
Clint Eruera
Once We Were Warriors
(2018)
Drama
Director:
Pale Christian Thomas
Stars:
Charles Jarman,
Kasey Ryne Mazak,
Duane Patterson
Lone Star
(1996)
Drama
|
Mystery
Director:
John Sayles
Stars:
Chris Cooper,
Elizabeth Peña,
Stephen Mendillo
The Patriarch
(2016)
Drama
Director:
Lee Tamahori
Stars:
Temuera Morrison,
Akuhata Keefe,
Nancy Brunning
The Postman (Il Postino)
(1994)
Biography
|
Comedy
|
Drama
Directors:
Michael Radford,
Massimo Troisi
Stars:
Massimo Troisi,
Philippe Noiret,
Maria Grazia Cucinotta
Romper Stomper
(1992)
Crime
|
Drama
Director:
Geoffrey Wright
Stars:
Russell Crowe,
Daniel Pollock,
Jacqueline McKenzie
Smoke
(1995)
Comedy
|
Drama
Director:
Wayne Wang
Stars:
Harvey Keitel,
William Hurt,
Giancarlo Esposito
Heavenly Creatures
(1994)
Biography
|
Crime
|
Drama
Director:
Peter Jackson
Stars:
Melanie Lynskey,
Kate Winslet,
Sarah Peirse
Cyrano de Bergerac
(1990)
Comedy
|
Drama
|
History
Director:
Jean-Paul Rappeneau
Stars:
Gérard Depardieu,
Anne Brochet,
Vincent Perez
Chopper
(2000)
Biography
|
Crime
|
Drama
Director:
Andrew Dominik
Stars:
Eric Bana,
Simon Lyndon,
Vince Colosimo
My Life as a Dog
(1985)
Drama
|
Comedy
Director:
Lasse Hallström
Stars:
Anton Glanzelius,
Tomas von Brömssen,
Anki Lidén
Secrets & Lies
(1996)
Drama
Director:
Mike Leigh
Stars:
Timothy Spall,
Brenda Blethyn,
Phyllis Logan
Edit
Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Rena Owen | ... | Beth Heke | |
| Temuera Morrison | ... | Jake Heke | |
| Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell | ... | Grace Heke | |
| Julian Arahanga | ... | Nig Heke | |
| Taungaroa Emile | ... | Boogie Heke | |
 |
Rachael Morris Jr. | ... | Polly Heke |
| Joseph Kairau | ... | Huata Heke | |
| Cliff Curtis | ... | Bully | |
| Pete Smith | ... | Dooley | |
| George Henare | ... | Bennett | |
|
|
Mere Boynton | ... | Mavis |
| Shannon Williams | ... | Toot | |
| Calvin Tuteao | ... | Taka (Gang Leader) | |
|
|
Ray Bishop | ... | King Hitter (in pub) |
| Ian Mune | ... | Judge | |
Edit
Plot Summary
|
Plot Synopsis
Storyline
Set in urban Auckland (New Zealand) this movie tells the story of the Heke family. Jake Heke is a violent man who beats his wife frequently when drunk, and yet obviously loves both her and his family. The movie follows a period of several weeks in the family's life showing Jake's frequent outburst of violence and the effect that this has on his family. The youngest son is in trouble with the police and may be put into a foster home while the elder son is about to join a street gang. Jake's daughter has her own serious problems which are a key element in the plot. Written by Chris Maslin <maslinc@cad.canterbury.ac.nz>
Taglines:
A family in crisis, a life in chaos... Nothing is more powerful than a mother's love. See more »Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated R for pervasive language and strong depiction of domestic abuse, including sexual violence and substance abuse | See all certifications »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
Edit
Edit
See more on IMDbPro »
See full technical specs »
Details
Country:
New ZealandRelease Date:
3 March 1995 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
A Alma dos Guerreiros See more »Edit
Box Office
Gross USA:
$2,201,126Company Credits
Show more on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Color:
Color (Eastmancolor)Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
Edit
Did You Know?
Trivia
Temura Morrison would get challenged to fight all the time by local thugs after seeing him play Jake Heke. See more »Goofs
When Beth is talking to her best friend (the female singer in the bar) at the kitchen table, the amount of beer in the glass varies inconsistently between shots. See more »Crazy Credits
Most of the opening credits are either split in half, scattered in different areas of the screen, abnormally shaped or used in small white print. Some are even mixed. See more »Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.Contribute to This Page
Explore popular and recently added TV series available to stream now with Prime Video.
This movie is based on a modern day New Zealand family, dealing with near poverty and violence from all sides, including the often inebriated father.
The acting in this movie was just plain amazing. I was hooked from beginning to end, entranced with the wide range of feelings and emotions the movie evoked in me.
You will cry, laugh, sing, and rage right along with the characters, and you will find it hard not to restart the movie just to watch it again.
This is just one of the few movies that stayed with me all these years, since first seeing it back in 1995. I will never forget this movie, and if you watch it, I can guarantee that neither will you.