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Once Were Warriors
Film (Trailer, Excerpts, and Extras) – 1994
Once Were Warriors opened the eyes of cinemagoers around the globe to an unexamined aspect of modern New Zealand life. Director Lee Tamahori's hard-hitting depiction of domestic and gang violence amongst an urban Māori whānau was adapted from the best-selling Alan Duff novel. The film provided career-defining roles for Temuera Morrison and Rena Owen as Jake the Muss and Beth Heke. It remains New Zealand's most watched local release in terms of the number of bums on seats. Among a trio of background pieces on the film, Riwia Brown describes adapting Alan Duff's book for the screen.
You’re not gonna hurt my babies anymore.– Beth Heke (Rena Owen)
Key Cast & Crew
See all 45 credits
Produced by
Communicado
Acknowledgements
Made with funding from the NZ Film Commission, in association with Avalon Studios and NZ On Air
Music
Song 'What's the Time Mr Wolf?' (Hareruia Aperahama) performed by Southside of Bombay
'Give Me Time (Ryan Monga) performed by Mere Boynton
'Here is My Heart' (Karaka/Renata/Tumahai) performed by Rena Owen and Temuera Morrison
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Rena Owen and cast discuss their lives post Warriors
What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?
The sequel to Once Were Warriors
Beth's World
Rena Owen presents a documentary about family violence
Theme from Once Were Warriors
The iconic theme music from this film
Frontline - Kiwis Cannes Do
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Book to Box Office
Includes an interview with author Alan Duff
What's the Time Mr Wolf?
Music video for a song featured in ‘Once Were Warriors’
Gang Girls
A documentary about women in NZ gangs
Nigel Latta 4 - Killing Our Kids (Episode Four)
Documentary about child abuse in New Zealand
Vegas - First Episode
Another gang drama
Kia Tu Mahea (To Be Free)
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Taonga: Til Death Do Us Part
More from actor Taungaroa Emile & writer Riwia Brown
The Tem Show - Star Wars (Episode)
An interview show presented by Temuera Morrison
Savage Play - Full Series
Rena Owen acts in this TV miniseries
River Queen
Also features actor Cliff Curtis
The Power of Music (Te Kaha o Te Waiata)
Lee Tamahori also made this music documentary
Heroine
Short film which involves domestic violence
The Truth about Māori
Documentary that references Once Were Warriors
Lambs
A short film with similar themes
Kingi's Story
A story of a troubled Māori youth
The Life and Times of Temuera Morrison - First Episode
A reality show following Tem Morrison
E Tipu E Rea - Thunderbox
A short drama directed by Lee Tamahori
To Live in the City
Short film on urbanisation of the Māori people
The Gathering
A 1979 teleplay about urban Māori alienated from their...
To Live in the City - 24 Years On
Documentary about urban Māori
The Dark Horse
More gangs and Cliff Curtis
Mark II
Warriors writer Riwia Brown acts in this classic road movie
Open Door - Shakti
Documentary on support organisation for victims of...
Never Say Die
Temuera Morrison in an earlier role
E Tipu e Rea - Roimata
A short drama written by Riwia Brown
Shortland Street - Kirsty and Lionel's wedding
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Boondigga
Taungaroa Emile stars as Boondigga in this music video
Mr Pip
Another literary adaptation produced by Robin Scholes
Utu
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Waru
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Rangi's Catch
Temuera Morrison's screen debut
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Fresh Meat
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Mt. Zion
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I'll Make You Happy
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The Five of Us – The Life of the Lawson Quins
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Red Blooded - Lion Red
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Mahana
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Greenstone
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Chinese Whispers
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Wonderful World - TV One Channel ID
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Bungy Fishing - Instant Kiwi Attitude
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Savage
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Gang Girl - Tarnz' Story
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Make or Break
Dramatic redemption for at risk youth
Taua - War Party
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For Art's Sake - A Century of Cinema
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Aroha - Mataora
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Aroha - Te Ao Mahana
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Hautoa Mā! The Rise of Māori Cinema
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Ka Whawhai Tonu Mātou
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Happy Hour - First Episode
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Tala Pasifika - Matou Uma
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Postscript (The Best of Inside New Zealand)
Reaction to documentary Beth's World (68 minutes in)
The Convert
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When Love Comes
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Ngā Wahine
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Documentary about domestic violence in Māori whānau