Once Were Warriors (1994)

Once Were Warriors (1994) (Blu-Ray) (*)

$43.99

Screened, competed or awarded at:
Australian Film Institute
Fantasporto Awards
Montreal World Film Festival
Rotterdam International Film Festival
Venice Film Festival
Other Film Festival Awards

Language Selections:
English ( Dolby Digital 5.1 )
English ( DTS 5.1 )
English ( DTS-HD Master Audio )
German ( Subtitles )

Product Origin/Format:
Germany ( Blu-Ray/Region A/B/C )

Running Time:
99 min

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen (1.85:1)

Special Features:
3-DVD Set
Cast/Crew Interview(s)
Collectors Edition
Documentary
Interactive Menu
Scene Access
Booklet
Blu-Ray & DVD Combo

Movie filmed in 1994 and produced in:
New Zealand ( Australia, New Zealand )

Directed By:
Lee Tamahori

Written By:
Riwia Brown
Alan Duff

Actors:
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

Synopsis:

This powerful drama was a major hit in its native New Zealand, outgrossing Jurassic Park in Kiwi cinemas. Jake and Beth Heke (Temurea Morrison and Rena Owen) are a couple of Maori descent who are living in a slum in Aukland. While it's obvious that they still love each other, Jake's alcoholism has driven a wedge into their relationship and has left their children emotionally scarred. Jake is charming while sober, but when drunk, he's a violent psychopath given to blink-of-an-eye mood changes and terrible cruelty against his loved ones. Liquor has also made it difficult for Jake to hold onto a job, leaving him dependent on the dole to feed his family. Nig (Julian Arahanga), Jake's oldest son, has turned his back on his father and joined a gang of Maori youths whose initiation rituals include tattooing and torture. Jake's 13-year-old daughter Grace (Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell) prefers to spend her time with her drug-addicted boyfriend -- rather than stay home and fight off the advances of her father's friends. And Boogie (Taungaroa Emile) ends up in juvenile hall when Jake's drinking prevents him from going to court to speak on Boogie's behalf. Once Were Warriors was based on an acclaimed novel by Alan Duff.

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.

This product was added to our catalog on Thursday 16 September, 2021.