Once Were Warriors
|
List Price: Our Price: $19.85 You Save: $0.13 (1%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $15.98 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of Once Were Warriors
Movie Review: I NEVER want to see this movie again...
Summary: 5 Stars
*SLIGHT possible spoiler*
This is one of those rare movies that really pulls you inside, as if you are with the characters, suffering alongside them. This movie was powerful, brilliant,... and utterly disturbing. The movie made me do what many horror movies have failed to to: make me cringe, covering my eyes in horror of what I'm seeing. The scene with the mom finding Grace was... so horrifying I literally found myself covering my ears. The absolute devastation and agony heard in that voice is not something I will soon forget. It was too painful to watch, too painful to hear, too painful to even witness. You don't find acting like that in movies today. Disturbing, yet so riveting you can't look away (like a train wreck), this is an unforgettable movie that you may only be able to bring yourself to watch once. 5 stars simply is not enough to rate a movie such as this.
Movie Review: The best movie of all time
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the most powerful movie you will ever see. And honest. Some of it will disturb but will leave a lasting impression on you. Extremely deppressing but also has a happy tone to it at the same time. I believe everyone should see this movie and anyone who does will probably want to own it. The music and the colours in the film really take you into the world of the Heke family, this is unbelievable film making and the acting is top class, true emotion provides excellent acting and this movie is full of emotion. I would say this is my favourite DVD of all time. I love the movie so much but I also love the special features interviews with the cast members. Temuera Morrison is as far from his character Jake Heke as you could possibly get, yet he turns in the finest performance I have ever witnessed. This movie will leave a lasting impression on anyone who watches it.Movie Review: Reclaiming The Past
Summary: 5 Stars
Gripping, heartfelt drama about a dysfunctional Maori family struggling for survival in the government provided urban housing project (i.e. slums) of New Zealand. This is a violent, hardhitting film. Fortunately the story ultimately transcends the violence and offers some hope for a brighter tomorrow. 'Once Were Warriors' is a story of reconnecting with one's heritage and rediscovering who you are and what you can become.
Three other excellent movies dealing with the same theme of failed assimilation and destruction of indigenous cultures are: 'Where the Green Ants Dream', 'The Fringe Dwellers' (DVD - Region 4 only) and 'Rabbit-Proof Fence.' All three are Australian films dealing with the plight of the Aborigine.
I would also recommend Emerald Forest (DVD) which deals with tribes living within the tropical rainforests of South America.
Movie Review: Powerful and moving
Summary: 5 Stars
I could watch this moving over and over again and still be very affected. The tale of this family and their issues was portrayed in a powerful way.
The two sons' and their acting out in rebellious ways was very realistic. I can't even speak on the oldest daughter's story as it makes me cry out in angst.
The abuse suffered at the father's hand and the mother's acceptance as if the norm was disturbing, yet, real... too real.
It was hard to see the father attempt to redeem his family through violence. He was so very violent and warped it was painful to watch.
The director's choice of color and Smokey filters added to the vivid imagery.
I recommend the movie to all students of film and cinematography as well as those interested in what a great screenplay looks like.
Movie Review: highly recommended
Summary: 5 Stars
Looking for a good foreign film? Try this one. This gives us a view into the world of Maori culture, the indigenous people of New Zealand. It's a very disturbing story with a lot of violence toward women.
The story focuses on a woman who's in a marriage to an abusive alcoholic man. Her son is troubled and constantly getting in trouble with the law. Her oldest daughter tries her best to make something of herself but given the environment, there's only but so much she can do. Unfortuanately, this kind of story is being played out every day all around the world.
We may see the woman in this story as strong and somewhat of a hero, but the harsh reality is that by the time she tries to make a change for the better, the damage had already been done.