Once Were Warriors
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Movie Reviews of Once Were Warriors
Movie Review: an all to common story
Summary: 5 Stars
This is one of the most moving and yet inspirational films I have seen. Set in the Government Housing area of Aukland,New Zealand (Aotearoa). while much of other reviews covers the simple view of the film, they cannot convey the powerful story/message as well as watching Rena Owen and Temuera Morrison, Taungaroa Emile, Mere Boynton and Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell, and the rest of the cast.The Film highlights not only the Maori story, but as mentioned by Rene herself (in an interview on the DVD I have). it highlights the problems of women children and men worldwide, most people can relate to the characters, many of us know a Beth Heke, a Boogie Heke, a Jake (The Mus) Heke, even a Grace Heke.
they need not be Maori, but we all can relate, no matter our origins, this is a story of the human condition that is all too common, and in the eyes of this reviewer, shows that too often when we try to be strong, we get it wrong. if you like Hollywood's greatest, then don't get this film, because this film is not a flight of fantasy, this film is reality.
Movie Review: GET THE F'N HELL OUT OF HERE BEFORE I KICK YOUR BLOODY HEAD IN!!
Summary: 5 Stars
THIS MOVIE IS A CLASSIC. JAKE IS A MONSTER BUT AT TIMES HE'S ALSO CHARMING AND LOVEABLE. THIS EXPLAINS WHY MANY PEOPLE IN THE MOVIE AND THE VIEWERS ARE DRAWN TO HIM. JAKE HAS CHARISMA. HE WINS YOU OVER WITH HIS QUICK WIT AND SENSE OF HUMOR. ALSO HIS EXTREME MOOD SWINGS CAN BE AMUSING AS WELL. AT LEAST TWICE IN THE MOVIE, "THE MUSS" GOES INTO A TIRADE AND A SECOND LATER HE'S SINGING A HAPPY UPLIFTING SONG. ANOTHER FUNNY SCENE IS WHEN JAKE IS EATING WHILE TALKING TO HIS WIFE BETH ABOUT GOING TO VISIT THEIR SON BOOGIE WHO HAS BEEN SENT TO WELFARE CUSTODY. THE WAY JAKE IS INHALING HIS FOOD IS HILARIOUS. THAT'S THE WAY I EAT AND I COULDN'T STOP LAUGHING. EVEN THE SECONDARY CHARACTERS ARE GREAT. DOOLEY IS PROBABLY JAKE'S COOLEST MATE. UNCLE BULLY IS SLEAZY BUT FUN AND TOOT, GRACIE'S FRIEND, PLAYED HIS "STUPID KID WHO LIVES IN A SHOEBRICK OF A CAR" ROLE QUITE WELL. I LOVE TO DISCUSSS THIS MOVIE AND I KNOW IT INSIDE AND OUT. PLEASE COMMENT IF YOU WISH AND I WILL RESPOND. ONCE WERE WARRIORS IS MY FAVORITE INDEPENDENT FILM OF ALL TIME!!Movie Review: Please don't think that this IS Maori culture
Summary: 5 Stars
In reading reviews on Once Were Warriors, most written by Americans, I fear that many believe this to be a true depiction of Maori life in NZ.
However, whilst this film shows a gritty, dirty, dangerous side to Maori culture in NZ it is not the kind of life that all Maori lead. I have numerous Maori friends, among them a doctor, a lawyer, a sales executive and hard working tradesmen, who value their family among all else. Please know that although this film does portray a kind of gangland you would see in South Central LA it is not the kind of life most Maori lead. In saying that, I do not wish to take away from that fact that the scenes shown in this film are a reality for many Maori too...and this kind of poverty and gang violence is an ongoing issue in NZ. What I like about the film is that it shows the kind of poverty and socio-economic problems evident in ALL societies - a common theme in all countries that is not solely about race.
Regards,
A New Zealander (who knows South Auckland quite well)
Movie Review: Therapeutic.
Summary: 5 Stars
I worked in a home for teenage boys who had substance abuse problems, I wanted to show this film to them. Other counselors were strongly opposed to this idea. I chose to show it anyway, with a thourough warning and disclaimer to the kids about the intensity level and violence. I showed them this film and they were totally entranced by it, it provoked emotional responses from boys who have had to construct a wall of toughness around them to deal with their situations.
After the film we had one of the most intense and active discussions I have ever had with teenage boys. They saw elements of their own lives in this film and it allowed them to open up about the difficulties they faced. One guy even revealed something that he has never had the courage to reveal about his personal situation. True art elicits true emotions.
I can not give high enough praises for all those involved in the production of this film.
Movie Review: A Truly Great Film!
Summary: 5 Stars
"Once Were Warriors" is a unique and marvelous film. Gritty, scary but thoroughly believable.
The film is set in the tough suburbs of south Auckland amidst a sea of social dysfunction. Yet in this sea, there are some individuals who shine however briefly. There are others who simply flounder.
There are magnificent performances by Rena Owen who plays the role of Beth Heke and Temeura Morrison who plays her brutal husband Jake "the Muss" Heke. These two actors are great! See the film if only to see the characters that they have created.
When seeing this film, do not expect to be uplifted. It is bleak and often terrifying. It is also very realistic. Social dysfunction is rarely pleasant. This film is not the dross of Hollywood but a real world with real people and real problems.
If you see no other film this year, see "Once Were Warriors".