Search - Once Were Warriors on DVD

Content Advisory: Violence, Not For Children, Profanity, Substance Abuse, Sexual Situations Movie Release: 1994 DVD Release: 10/08/2002 Format: DVD - Letterbox for TV SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 45 mins Studio: Import Members Wishing: 11 Genres: Drama, Marriage Drama, Family Drama See Also: Once Were Warriors, Once Were Warriors [Blu-ray]

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. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Rena Owen - Beth Heke
Temuera Morrison - Jake Heke
Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell - Grace Heke
Julian "Sonny" Arahanga - Nig Heke
Taungaroa Emile - Boogie Heke