Once Were Warriors
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VHS Movie Reviews of Once Were Warriors
Movie Review: Violence and Hope
Summary: 5 Stars
I had seen "Once Were Warriors" after the publicity and hype here, and for that reason, I was fairly well prepared for the movie itself. In some ways, despite this, the movie did present surprising elements and messages that were not so well publicised in the media.
Focusing on a troubled family of urban Maori, the story revolves around the Heke family, with the mother battling to keep things together in the face of the violence and rage of her husband, Jake "The Muss" Heke.
With an emphasis on heritage and who people really are, the movie goes beyond the shocking violence, and gives hope of something better. It is a surprisingly positive movie, that presents tragedy as a catalyst for positive change. It is in the midst of loss and misfortune that people find themselves and are moved to something better. Of course, Jake provides the counter-point of attempting to deal with it in his own violent way, as he has done throughout the movie.
With supreme performances from Temuera Morrison, Rena Owen, Cliff Curtis and many others, Lee Tamahori has directed a masterpiece of a movie. Violent, brutal, and honest, the movie also gives a profound message of hope and self-knowledge. Take the tissues, but also be prepared to be spoken to at a deep level. "Once Were Warriors" is simply one of the best movies to come out of New Zealand.
Movie Review: No one told me, so I am telling you
Summary: 5 Stars
I've heard so much about this movie. Almost all of my friends have seen the movie and loved it. But no one told me I would cry so hard my eyes would just about fall out. I just wanted to let all the cry babies like me know. You will cry. It's such an awesome movie. Any movies that invoke such strong emotion from a person.. enough to make someone bawl uncontrollably?? 5 stars. Mos' def. Movie Review: Kiwi klearing up some things
Summary: 5 Stars
As you can see from my rating, I also feel that this is an excellent movie. I just wanted to clear up one fact from a previous review so as to give two excellent Maori actors their dues. Temuera Morrison played Jake "the Muss" Heke in OWW. Ironically, it was this critically acclaimed performance which brought him to the attention of Hollywood where he was later to play alongside Pamela Anderson in "Barbed Wire", Marlon Brando in "The Island of Dr. Moreau", he was also a main character in "Speed 2" and more recently as Jango Fett in the Star Wars prequels.
Not to take away from Tem's incredible performance in OWW, but the contrast of the "somewhat soft son in 'Whale Rider'", doesn't work because that part was played by another talented Maori actor - Cliff Curtis. He also had a role in OWW; that of Uncle Bully. His performance has also led to a career in Hollywood playing various minorities - the drug dealing hispanic in "Bringing Out the Dead", the Central American terrorist in "Collateral Damage", and plenty of Middle Eastern characters ("Three Kings", "The Majestic", etc.)
It's a pity that a wider audience isn't given the opportunity to see these guys in roles that really showcase their acting chops. Still, at least they have careers (such as they are). There are plenty of talented actors out there whose closest shot at fame has been being a waiter in Hollywood.
Movie Review: Gripping reality that punches you in the face.
Summary: 5 Stars
It doesn't matter which culture one comes from, this powerful movie hits home with it's viciousness, honesty, and a message that demands the attention of the human spirit. It's been well documented that this tale deals with abuse, alcoholism, social, and moral dilemas; but the truth of the matter is that the big picture is more about what a person; in this case the wife of an abuser has to do to reclaim his or her dignity when, through a series of well intentioned motives, finds that life has spiraled to a point where you're faced with your own values being tested to the limit. When does a person really have enough? What does it take to get you to that place? And finally, what does it take to have the courage to make the changes necessary? I work in a treatment centre for addictions, and women's programs, and the bottom line is that everyone has to hit their own bottom to see that the life they're living is not what they expected, or want. The next step is change, and that takes courage. In this movie, the "final straw" is extreme, but make no mistake, it is a reality that happens to people everyday in this world. The producers deserve full credit for bringing this message home in a fashion that speaks to anyone with the courage to watch this to the end. This is not "over-done", it is real. A priceless movie that everyone should watch a least once in their lives. Movie Review: Reclaiming The Past
Summary: 5 Stars
Gripping, heartfelt drama about a dysfunctional Maori family struggling for survival in the government provided urban housing project (i.e. slums) of New Zealand. This is a violent, hardhitting film. Fortunately the story ultimately transcends the violence and offers some hope for a brighter tomorrow. 'Once Were Warriors' is a story of reconnecting with one's heritage and rediscovering who you are and what you can become.
Three other excellent movies dealing with the same theme of failed assimilation and destruction of indigenous cultures are: 'Where the Green Ants Dream', 'The Fringe Dwellers' (DVD - Region 4 only) and 'Rabbit-Proof Fence.' All three are Australian films dealing with the plight of the Aborigine.
I would also recommend Emerald Forest (DVD) which deals with tribes living within the tropical rainforests of South America.