Once Were Warriors
Seen it?1994 | 99 min | Drama
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
Critics loved it (93% on Rotten Tomatoes), it made about 7 times its budget and it's still drawing plenty of interest. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 39 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: expect violence.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
In a violent relationship, it takes a mother’s strength to save herself and her children from the man she loved. Once Were Warriors is a violent love story set against a contemporary urban backdrop.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 77 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.4 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$7 million worldwide on a $950K budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 205K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
The Last Samurai Saturday SpecialAnother drama, and a Saturday Special.
This Boy's Life
Sunday Safe BetAnother drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Snowtown Sunday Safe BetAnother drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
The Nightingale Sunday Safe BetAnother drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Thirteen Saturday SpecialAnother drama, and a Saturday Special.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Lee Tamahori
- Rena OwenBeth Heke
- Temuera MorrisonJake Heke
- Mamaengaroa Kerr-BellGrace Heke
- Julian ArahangaNig Heke
- Taungaroa EmileMark 'Boogie' Heke
- Rachael Morris Jr.Polly Heke
- Joseph KairauHuata Heke
- Cliff CurtisBully
- Pete SmithDooley
- George HenareBennett