Review of Once Were Warriors (1994) by Paul Z — 23 Nov 2011

After seeing this amazingly powerful film, which gave this mid-westerner a glimpse into a world that I never knew existed, I went out and bought the book, Though the movie is not as in depth and changes some of the characters it still is a powerhouse that is now considered a classic.

Once were Warriors is the first major NZ film that explores the modern day world of the Maori's, the NZ natives who have been cast aside like trash and much like many natives around the globe The Maori's have spiraled downward due to alcohol, drugs and a poor education and welfare system.

Once were Warriors centers on the Heke family, headed by Jake "The Muss" Heke a hard drinking tough guy who hits first thinks later, his wife Beth Heke a hard drinking woman is every bit as tough as her man, The Heke's live in squalor in a government housing project with their 6 neglected kids , the oldest is trying to get in to a gang, probably the scariest bunch on the planet and their teen son Boogie is in trouble and facing being sent away to a juvenile detention center.

But the real protagonist is teen daughter Grace, who tries to pick up the slack for her mother by taking care of the 2 littlest kids, but finds hersel powerless against her fathers hard drinking and violent life style.

Along with a great soundtrack,Once were warriors helped launch the careers of several New Zealand talents, Cliff Curtis who plays Uncle Bully (not in the book)has gone on to star in many films Including Whale Rider, Blow, Bringing out the Dead and many more, Temuera Morrison as Jake the Muss,scored a role as Jenga Fett in the Star wars prequels. Director Lee Tamahori has gone on to direct many big budget films since making this classic.