Maori couple Jake and Beth Heke are deeply in love, but Jake's alcoholic-fueled rage turns into domestic violence that threatens to tear their family apart. As their home life grows increasingly dangerous, Beth must do all she can to protect their three children. Set against the backdrop of traditional tribal culture, this classic and controversial 90's indie sleeper hit put New Zealand on the cinema map. A critical favorite, ONCE WERE WARRIORS is “powerful and chilling, and directed by Lee Tamahori with such narrative momentum that we are swept along in the enveloping tragedy of the family's life” (Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times).

DIRECTED BY LEE TAMAHORI
NEW ZEALAND | 1994 | ENGLISH & MAORI WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES