Once Were Warriors: Where are they Now? REUNION

ONCE WERE WARRIORS made international stars out of its lead performers Temuera Morrison, Rena Owen and Cliff Curtis, and catapulted director Lee Tamahori into Hollywood. Some of the cast and crew have remained working in film and television while others opted out of the business. The documentary's director and original cast member, Julian Arahanga (he plays eldest son Nig Heke in the film), set out to track down his film family for an emotional Heke whanau reunion.
Arahanga, a television producer and director whose company Awa Films produces Māori Television series Songs From the Inside and Behind the Brush, found the experience emotional, but not without its humour as well.
“To meet up with all the cast after 20 years and see where they are at in their lives has been really quite a privilege,” he says.
“After 20 years everyone coming together was always going to be an emotional experience but the thing is it didn’t take long for the jokes to start.
“It reaffirmed for me the belief that everybody felt something special on that film.”
As well as reuniting the Heke family - Temuera Morrison (Jake Heke) , Rena Owen(Beth Heke) Mamaengaroa Pere (Grace Heke) Taungaroa Emile (Boogie Heke) Rachael Morris Tautau (Polly Heke), Joseph Kairau (Huata Heke) - other key players including Cliff Curtis and director Lee Tamahori also make an appearance. #temueramorrison #jakeheke #oncewerewarriors #movie #originalfilm #actionmovies #nz #māori #maori #documentary #history
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

[@SamoaMediaNZ]

Watch Crooked Earth - NZ FILM. Link Below kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKTIpKWQq7RlmdE

[@magnumpi8097]

Rena Owen's performance in this movie was brilliant. Especially the part when she was crying, screaming to Jake to help bring Grace down. How she never got an award in NZ for it is beyond me.

[@merlin5420]

You can’t have too many Maori winning all the awards that’s just not a good look according to the ‘powers that be’. She had the last laugh by winning the more prestigious awards in the international field.

[@shenglongisback4688]

He'll im Polynesian/Sir Lankan when I 1st watch this film I was like Clean Sweep find out years later Rena never won I was Farkin pissed. Lol They need too bring her too get a award for that movie. Home game win.

[@accradata]

She was definitely the best performer in this film.

[@markreynolds1112]

i h8td ths movie it was so racit 2wards maori

[@yingle6027]

@@markreynolds1112 Are you calling the Maori people who made this film racist?

[@sonyaberleena2144]

It is so sad that NZ didn't reward her performance but got an award all over the world. Still gives me goose bumps and chills hard to watch still. Such a great film.

[@soundzrinmygarden3833]

Typical NZ move....only kidding....she was very deserving of that award

[@MMCPN]

I’ve watched the movie maybe 30-40 times but I’ve only ever watched uncle Bully and the Gracey scene once, which was the first time I ever watched the movie everytime after that I FF⏩️ if watching it alone or leave the room if watching with other people….

[@stormb3948]

@@MMCPN I didn’t know until now that she was only 15 in real life. I know it’s acting, but I’m not sure how I feel about someone so young having to act out a scene like that. I’m glad the producer made it a 1 take scene but it’s clear that scene affected her because when she was asked “which scene stood out the most” she tried to avoid talking about it. They had to circle back and try again to get her to talk about it and she seemed reluctant.

[@SunnySamuel-zo8jk]

​@@stormb3948she made it clear that the coffin scene was the hardest for her,I don't blame her it's scary I will never lay in a coffin until death

[@parasuparasu-ki9gb]

who wants an award from these donkey MF? thats the heart of the movie, a world within a world with its own heros etc.... tha award is the love and appreciation they received from the real nz, we are not these parasite politicians and leaders etc.....

[@butterfliesarefreetofly6964]

As a Native from my tribe of Oglala Lakota on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, I know many of us related to this movie. The drinking, the partying all night, the mother getting beat up, and sadly, the rape, is definitely not foreign to us. Some are still going through it. I can still picture every thing in my head. It also made us proud of our sisters & brothers in NZ. I love the movie & will continue to love it throughout my life💜

[@Ghost-jq2bg]

My sister just came home and I’m going to ask her for sex

[@darylobey8867]

Am just a little north from you as a southern cree and Dakota and when I finally saw this movie I never Hurd of the natives from new zealand and seeing that film was basicly how are native peoples are and it's one of my fav movies ❤

[@jakeshepard9931]

Typical Rez life. Growing up, I remember several older"Jake the Muss" type natives who were violent. I remember the drunken parties, the loud music blaring Freddy Fender, Bob Seger, CCR, XIT, Red Bone, Porcupine Singers; the arguments, the fist-fighting, the little food in the frig, etc... but there always seemed to be lots of alcohol around. I eventually escaped from tha rez and now reside amongst boring ass white people in a city in the Northwest. 😁

[@mrdavidurquhart]

Powerful comment to read

[@johanneabelsen1644]

This movie could easily happen in Greenland!😢 We indigenous peoples all share these tragedies. But we are starting to heal up. I pray for my fellow Greenlander folks every day.

[@laurahero8778]

When Rena cries for not getting an award kills me because she’s right, she deserves it. She put her whole heart in *’Beth’* and never got rewarded for it! 😭💔

[@thedoxxmse6763]

broke me when New Zealand didnt award her and seeing the hurt in her , Glad the rest of the world recognised her Great performance. 👌🏾.

[@SunnySamuel-zo8jk]

That's nz for ya they love dogging us maori over here racist bunch

[@briansymmes7917]

Unbelievable that she didn’t get the first award, but 30 years later she is still the epitome of a legendary female NZ performance, she has such manna, it’s an unforgettable role in nz film history.

[@wilza316]

I couldn’t agree more it blew my mind she didn’t get it. She made her part feel real. She was amazing.

[@als423]

This movie was the first time I'd seen my family on screen. I remember coming back to school and everyone buzzing & talking about the movie Once were warriors & how their families were the same too, we all realized we weren't going through it alone. ❤

[@RickJames-os2hx]

Yeah, but did your mum cook the man some eggs? 🥊

[@franki2085]

@@RickJames-os2hx calm down there Uncle Bully

[@RickJames-os2hx]

@@franki2085 sorry for not being calm cuz. Too many weights. Not enough speedwork.

[@franki2085]

@@RickJames-os2hx Forget it bro. You looked better before you turned and responded.

[@RickJames-os2hx]

@@franki2085 maybe so... Still, i'll never look as good as your sister with nothin on 😊

[@zararichards1197]

Reward or not Rena has touched all our hearts and that is worth more than a trophy collecting dust 20 years on.

[@aliway4136]

I met and was taken in by a Maori family in San Francisco about 25 yrs ago. My mom suddenly died I was just 17 and we had moved from Michigan to California for her Cancer treatments. I was alone and terrified. The woman was a nurse at the hospital and she didn't know me from Eve. They were absolutely beautiful and loving people. I miss them so much. I would have never made it without them. I owe the Toki family everything!!❤❤

[@ManaBlack208]

Wow cool story

[@littleaussierippa]

The fact that Rena Owen didn't win an award for Beth is a disgrace. It's the most powerful and heartbreaking performance I've ever seen in film.

[@terenatua8433]

..Rena deserved an Oscar for this .. raw emotion at it's best

[@Tekorekore]

I have a deep sadness which runs like a quiet stream under everything I do. Its haunting. I was seven in 1995 when i saw this movie, living under a stepdad like Jake. I’m 36 now. Rewatching that scene with the kids huddled on the bed reminded me too much of the old days. I broke down so hard I barely knew what had happened to me.

[@AnnaP-uh3mc]

Sending you love and strength. I’m so sorry that was your childhood.

[@jacquiwaaka5402]

Don't let it DEFINE you e hoa. Kia kaha in AROHA to break our childhood cycles. Love to you all the way. Let us go out there & make a huge difference. Nga manakitanga. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ChrisSmith-rd6dm]

Man up you are 36 yesrs old not a little boy anymore go beat your old man's ass if he was that bad

[@gizzyskate8845]

😥

[@RhiannonJane]

We studied this film at high school in 2014. I remember the teacher replaying confronting scenes that resembled moments of my own upbringing while I desperately wished that I could sink into the floor. I was so terrified that even the slightest of reactions would show people how much it resonated with me. 10 years later and I now wonder how many other students in that class were feeling the exact same way.

[@Tbo69]

What country did u study the film in??

[@baruckobungoo8225]

I saw this in a college film class and my god I've never been moved by a movie so much... Especially the r*pe and suicide scenes.... Just straight realistic brutality of a life in poverty

[@jaredwilson28]

Man they did Rena Owen so dirty with not giving her that award.

[@gullwingstorm857]

It’s still a masterpiece to this day, and it’s bloody offensive that Rena Owen didn’t win in NZ. It should’ve cleaned up the Oscars too.

[@jadeybabes33]

Rena Owen gave such an awe-inspiring, genuine and gut-wrenching performance in this movie - especially the scene where Grace is in the tree - god that raw screaming gave me chills how real and powerful and heartbreaking it was. She'll always be the winner in our hearts in NZ.

[@physic3524]

regardless of awards, the kiwis who've watched once were warriors know she acted her arse off.

[@its.selina17]

The movie was traumatising enough for me. I’m glad I got to see some of the behind the scenes, or what the actors are actually like because it calms me down from balling my eyes out. So much love for this movie!!

[@kiwimanu2186]

Jake the muss was rampant in Mangere in the 70s. I saw it amongst my pacific, maori and pakeha brothers. I grew up in that culture. This movie brought back lots of that life back.

[@RagdollRacingInc]

As an Aussie white boy who had a broken childhood and a mouri family taking care of me when i was left alone by my parents this movie was the best i had ever seen glad to have had the pleasure to see you all come together once again put a big smile on my face seeing you all

[@eyeofgumbo9610]

maori*

[@jacquiwaaka5402]

Be strong mate & let your maori family take care of you. Stay strong.❤

[@RagdollRacingInc]

​@@eyeofgumbo9610yeah I noticed that oops my bad

[@Jae-iq3rh]

Kia Kaha(stay strong) bro. welcome to our whanau, we Maori look after everyone

[@AnnaP-uh3mc]

Rena - your performance was one of the most extraordinary piece of acting work I’ve ever seen. The people of NZ would have given you that award a million times. You deserved it more than anyone.

[@user-qv5ob6lm3u]

I remember seeing this when it first came out. Hit like a ton of bricks I'm a kiwi, not Maori but my experience with the terror of domestic violence was so similar, such a shame that this happens in many families. Nice to see all the actors and crew many years later. Thanks

[@juneelekea4701]

Pacific Islanders will always remember this Māori made movie.Alofa Atu Warriors.

[@icekartel8665]

I wonder how many islander kids commit suicide after watching this movie

[@elgordo9031]

Paraguayans will always remember the multi ethnic movie star, cliff curtis aka bully aka toro. Hope ya healing well bully.

[@247Tongan]

Māori are Pacific Islanders, any one born in New Zealand are technically Pacific Islanders. New Zealand is literally islands on the Pacific Ocean ( North island, South Island and Stewart island)

[@Simo76195]

I think anyone who has watched this will never forget it. Absolute masterpiece

[@Sweptundertherug]

Is that because its the only 1 they ever made🤣

[@jesaminetehuia9098]

It was a very powerful film back then and still is today. I've only seen it once. For me, that is enough. No movie has ever had that type of effect on me since because it isn't one that I need or intend to reflect on. When you hear the theme song , instantly scenes are drawn, when you hear the party song (still played at parties today), again, my heart palpitates. This film is too close to home for a lot of people. I remember watching it in Wellies with some friends. We took up a row in the theatre. I particularly wanted to sit on the aisle seat because I'd heard about some of the scenes and wanted to make sure that I had a runway toward the exit door. I remember continuously looking back at the door but was frozen in my seat. I was sad, hurt, but mostly angry. I could hear people sniffing around me, and some literally crying. After the credits, I just sat in my seat to collect my thoughts and calm my wairua before leaving. I just sat. My partner at the time was very patient and just quietly sat with me. We sombrely walked out of the theatre. I remember jumping in the car and silently cried. For me, that's how powerful the movie is, not was, but still is today. I don't need to see it a second time. My teenage nephews have viewed it - their perspective is that of any other movie. They are none the wiser and thankful for that. Watching this clip was enlightening. Seeing the cast together again and learning about their past experiences of the film and their journey post-movie was enlightening. Sharing how they felt about their character and what effect it had on them. Thanks for sharing. koutou mā. It was great seeing you all again. ❤ We know it doesn't just happen in Māori culture, nor is it the culture of Māori.

[@notimportant8120]

I grew up In Waitangirua, this movie was so real as to me as it pretty much was what I witnessed growing up. I’m not Māori, I’m a refugee Asian, saw friends joining gangs (mongrel mob etc) but I always had so much respect for their culture. We actually lived right next door to a mongrel mob pad in Waihora crescent 😂. They didn’t give us too much grief. Most of the time 😂

[@sharleah2279]

Tautoko I bit too close to home. I have only seen it once my reaction was .This was my life. Powerful

[@CeeJay2.O]

True it is not the culture of Māori, i remember my koro discussing the importance of education and how we should always remember our roots to our ancestors, I'm of Ngāti Ruanui, Te Awa, Ngāti Maru descent And Am proud of being Māori... I grew up in an era of the 70"s in a small coastal town called Patea where most of us were all related to each other, it was a tight community and both my parents worked at the local freezing works... This movie brought back good memories and some bad... It's iconic and still resonates today, truly hope the next generation (my son and his cousins) are more informed and make smart choices

[@destroy-erase-improve9106]

Shame the actor for Toot wasn’t in this. But it was so great to see everyone together again. One of the greatest movies I’ve ever seen 👏 👏 👏

[@Fiawordweaver]

RENA IS THE TRUE WINNER OF ANY AWARD. WHAT A DYNAMIC EMPOWERING WOMAN. APPLAUDING FROM CALIFORNIA. 71 here. Thank you for providing the reunion behind the scenes. 🎉❤🎉

[@briannicholls9584]

When I was asked by my sons what is was like for us when we were younger. I hired the movie and we watched it. It was extremely hard to watch and still is hard to watch the reunion. Sadly my mother passed away last year, but she bore the scars all her life. Thank you all who acted and produced the film. I know it would have made a lot of difference in people's life's.

[@fu8713]

Who hires movies these days lol

[@EatMyShortsAU]

Sorry to hear that.

[@youfritter]

@@fu8713 she didnt say it was recent

[@EatMyShortsAU]

This movie is iconic in Australia and having grown up in household with domestic violence in the 1990's feels very relatable.

[@daleburton3444]

I don't have enough fingers to count the times my brothers and I were hiding in the dark trying to comfort one another

[@correypeta]

Awww... I know, man. I know.

[@jasonruka1665]

I just watched this last week for the first time in years… Still hits just as hard, incredible performances! I loved how Temuera was able to switch between smiling, charming man to absolute animal…. very accurate to real life “Jakes”

[@carolinetofa1024]

😂💯so true ! Mostly all the same

[@Kiwiboy.aotearoa]

Your not Guatemala now Mister ropata, still remember that epic line❤

[@masteryoda498]

For a small nation, New Zealand produces some great films and has some very talented actors/actresses. Once Were Warriors was a brilliant movie, and all the actors and actresses played their roles to perfection.

[@danielsmart8398]

Still to this day one of the best films I’ve ever seen. Unbelievable acting, particularly from Rena Owen. Definitely put NZ on the map. Great to see them all catch up! 🙏❤️

[@theeverydayillusion7790]

German here. This is one of my personal top 10 movies of all time. Y'all did a great job. Love

[@Irishmush]

I'm 45 .we loved this as teenagers growing up in Ireland 🇮🇪 🇮🇪 great film..classic.. 🇳🇿 🇳🇿 .

[@jasonm1922]

I remember feeling so bad for Rena when she didn't win that award that she so clearly deserved. Think I will watch Warriors again this weekend, I have seen it so many times already but it never gets old and will always be a part of New Zealand. Cheers and thankyou to everyone who made it. Chur Bro from NZ

[@ebbyoflondon8365]

I remember watching this film back in '94. It was so powerful and I admired the mother's strength in the face of such overwhelming adversity. Back then I also never realised what a huge talent Cliff Curtis was - he's forged an impressive acting career internationally and he's a true chameleon, able to switch effortlessly from playing good guys to bad guys, indefinable ethnicities, etc. What a legend.

[@youfritter]

I remember in the movie cinema when the lights came on and seeing all the people that had been crying during the film.

[@ShaawtyB]

Rena should've won the award for best actress and everyone knows it. Such a remarkable film, incredible cast and amazing acting.

[@ManaBlack208]

Why do you think they didn't give her the award?racism?

[@merewynyard5813]

This is my favourite movie of all time..RENA DESERVED AN OSCAR for her performance, she reminded me of myself, a real Tearjerker😢❤

[@merewynyard5813]

Rena😢😢😢

[@merewynyard5813]

Amongst all the Violence RENA OWENS character gave a certain DIGNITY to a MAORI WOMAN and I love her for that❤❤

[@KoalaK84]

This movie will forever be *iconic* even here in Australia ☺️

[@thecleanercurtis4370]

Grace's funeral scene was so hard to watch.....i loved this movie. I fell in love with the moari roots .......the wailing in this scene still has me break down. ❤from Australia

[@sheriashley7692]

I was a young Aussie girl when this game out. I found it terrifying and heartbreaking seeing this movie. It held the looking glass up to some areas of Māori society and was pretty confronting. Great performance by all the actors.

[@beverleysteele1106]

this film kicks me in the guts and the heart at the same time ,as a little Pakeha girl brought up by Māori in this environment my tears were so heartfelt because this was so common where i came from,just incredible

[@sandio8427]

I grew up in the Far North. I remember coming out of the picture theatre in a state of absolute shock. The realisation that this was the reality for some of my friends. Massive wake up call. Incredible film & cast.

[@apeters3352]

Makes me tear up every time - not necessarily sadness, just the emotion.

[@davematthews255]

Absolutely right … I will never forget walking out of the movies with a few mates in Sydney as young 19 year olds and we just looked at each other , no words needed to be said , the impact was just wow , wow . Till this day , even as a Aussie, I don’t think a movie has so powerfully left it’s mark on me . Congrats to all involved in the film and re-union . Superb.

[@correypeta]

I'm a 43 year old American. I saw this when I was 17. Our crazy teacher put this on in business class on a rainy day. We had NO idea why!! No one could process whatv the hell we were watching... I knew nothing on my little teenage isolated world at the time. This would eventually change. But I remember thinking "I bet all those actors won awards." I can't believe Rena didn't get recognized... she was the heart and soul of the film. I mean, FINE acting. A master of her craft. This makes me sad to hear. But Rena was right. I remember where I was when I first saw this movie.

[@enriquepelenato4956]

This movie is legendary and still so powerful and timeless. One of the scariest movies I've ever seen and there are no monsters, or aliens, demons etc. Just humans

[@RobbieBlack-og1zh]

I remember watching this movie as teenager. Growing up in Otangarei, Whangarei in the 80-90s drug, gangs, alcohol, violence and abuse. This movie for our lack of truly understanding. Was just a movie. We lived this life to alot of its degree. I watched this last year for the first time pretty much since then with my wife who is from the middle east, and it's a whole different experience. I was so emotionally involved in this movie that some parts were even hard to watch. My wife was shocked she couldn't believe that this stuff actually happened in alot of Maori/Pacific homes. Crazy how at one point in my life as a naive teen. This movie really didn't say much because I lived some of it. 20 years on with my own family and kids. This movie speaks volumes. Tau Toko this film all day. Hearty as! 💯🤝🏽😎

[@olibearbrowns6748]

Cliff Curtis came a long way from being a local New Zealand actor to becoming a Hollywood superstar!

[@randomfpv22]

Rena’s performance in that movie was outstanding. I remember how I felt the first time I saw her in this movie. It’s the same feeling to this day. Rena deserved that award. What an amazing movie

[@williamnuma]

This is why films should be made - to impact society and the times with the raw authentic truth, because that's the only thing that liberates... Very iconic and a treasured experience from my time growing up... So much power. ❤

[@lavenderharmony944]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching this reunion! Thank you for the memories! ❤️

[@shantipeirce7083]

I have read the book and watched the film many times. I have to fast forward the scene when Beth finds Grace hanging and screams. I’ve heard and made that sound myself. It’s the most heartbreaking sound a person can make. How Rena wasn’t recognised in her own country for her performance is beyond me. This film is always going to be in my top ten favourite films.

[@jstarterstarter3436]

Nah nz recognised idk wtf was up wit that reward shit tho no lies😂😂

[@JacobHighett]

Incredible film, watch at least once a year!

[@QvodInferivs]

As a aussie i love this movie. My close friend growing up was Maori we all became close Whanau and this movie had a huge impact on us. Visiting his family in Rotarua area i realise how close the story is to many family who are affected by domestic violence alcoholism etc. In saying that i also seen the beautiful Mana in all the people i meet. This movie and Aotearoa has a special place in my heart.

[@donaldduck2139]

kia ora bro

[@speed5914]

Experienced first hand what was portrayed in this movie and we arent even Maori in the 80s. Late night parties, lovey dovey singing followed by rage, dad beating up step mum, kids powerless and huddled on bed weeping. Next morning seeing the damage to the house and step mum and saying "when I get older Im gonna kick my dads ass". Well done to the actors and director for bringing to life events that were very real for so many.

[@TurnAwayFilms]

Temura's reaction to Joseph was like a true father 😂

[@SarahNotSara]

So much nostalgia in this documentary, made me tear up. The amazing acting skills, the production and direction...this film is and will remain a masterpiece in cinema forever. Thank you for revisiting this incredible movie. ❤

[@KiwikimNZ]

Me too

[@dayligs]

Totally agree

[@turinawilliams3476]

This movie was a real eye opener for me. As a Maori family, we'd never seen this kind of violence, I actually didnt believe it was true, didnt believe people really lived like that. I was shocked when I was told that was happening, still is. If you remember in part 2, the pig-hunters were the type we grew up with. Don't get me wrong, we got our arses smacked when we needed it and yelled at, but that was it. Brilliant, emotional, thought provoking, powerful movie. Once Were Warriors did us proud. ❤

[@queenjasminetemaiharoa7009]

It's absolutely shameful and heartbreaking that Rena didn't win that award in NZ🥺💔

[@blindasabat2517]

Watched this movie growing up lots and also watched the lesser known, what becomes of the broken hearted too. Got all my pals to watch too and all loved it 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@tremaynedalgety4561]

One of the best movies ever made

[@davidjohn9006]

Thanks for sharing this. As an Aboriginal/Australian, working at the time as an community educator re (anti) Family violence issues in our local community… I used this film as a key trigger, with a group of Aboriginal (male) prisoners within our main prison (Yatala) … was "life-changing" for the majority of those who were involved in the cultural awakening program we ran for 5 weeks at the time. I also used this film, working as an Aboriginal Education Worker with older children in several high schools. The issues and lifestyle depicting in this film/familiar were so relevant and similar to oh too many indigenous families, individuals, and particular communities here in Australia. An amazing film, obviously created/made by a group of amazing indigenous/Māori people. 👍🏼👏🏼👌🏼✊🏽

[@andybricks576]

I Agree.

[@tane1mahuta1]

I was in a policing role in Perth WA. I didn't realise the impact this movie had on the indigenous mob, they knew all the words and would sing the songs... But what suprised me was Jake the Muss was a hero to them. When NITV come on air the ratings for this movie went through the roof. This movie is a great learning tool for all us indigenous peoples I saw Jakes, Beths and the kids in so many of them. "You can't hide your pain from someone who has been through the same... anonymous" God Bless our Nyoongar, Koori, Yolngu , Yorta Yorta whanau ❤

[@jessegarcia2060]

When this movie came on VHS .My aunt an uncle turn me on to this movie..I was blow away...At the time I was in a dark place an needed help..I took parts of what hit me emotionally an strength .It's help me kick my habits...I've been clean since 1994...Now I'm 49 from Texas 💪..I'll never forget this movie..

[@Wayne_Mather]

Thanks to all involved from this Aussie for what I rate as the greatest movie ever made. It broke many grounds and was raw and in your face. Everyone should be proud of the artistic expression left for generations to see. kia ora katoa, kia tiaho ai tōana

[@smasher8543]

💯💯💯💯💯GREATEST MOVIE EVER MADE

[@kellyoconnor7896]

One of the best movies ever made. I’ve seen it at least 50 times. A movie you can see a bunch of times and never get sick of it.

[@andrzejd5301]

i lived this life in the 70s-80s in a little town called Te Teko known as Texas just out of Whakatane. every time i watch once was warriors it reminds me of the hard times but good times. Hard as and this sought of life was real for many. a lot of people think its fiction but this was real life for us. only difference was we still rode horses🤣

[@rhinocore]

"I wear mine on the inside." One of the best lines in the film.

[@williamweiss6128]

Hard to watch, still love it. One of my favorites.

[@youfritter]

That opening clip was pure artistry. Two worlds.

[@kingy002]

And still is.

[@loulouedmo]

This a a big movie - it never gets old. The actors still have their beautiful faces. Rena should have won the gong - her performance was epic! ❤

[@ginapafitis1966]

Rena BEST ACTRESS IN MY EYES..❤️

[@Kanieht.L]

I was 20 when this movie came out ( Canada) …. It hit hard …. Brought back memories from childhood…. This was one movie that was underrated….. and Rena should have won an Oscar ….. the performance from everyone in this movie was outstanding….. on a positive note… it did make me interested in the culture and their way of life back in the day…..

[@kuhzzy1798]

Jake is literally fucking scary in this movie. Top notch acting

[@adrianhughes5693]

I grew up in Otara and I remember the drunken parties , the beatings the women were given , the heart felt cries of the kids hearing the fighting all in the name of stanch. for a man to be weak amongst his mates was the worst. But I also remember the feeling of one people's pride and today you can still feel it.

[@Jae-iq3rh]

OML, I too remember those days in and around Otara, especially all the fights at the East Tamaki tavern. Women I saw always got the beats.

[@parnaqi636]

All the indigenous communities can somehow relate to this movie. Love from Greenland🇬🇱 ❤

[@kp0104]

This was my childhood.

[@Elizabeth-Angel]

I'm Irish I have watched Once were Warriors more than once. Never heard of red and roses or what ever it was called. Years later I married a Maori man. He isn't anything like Jake. It was a raw real movie. Many experiences like that world wide. ❤

[@thedarklennialsz8120]

Love the hell out of this movie. It was a beautiful tale told from beautiful people, loved it.

[@markreynolds1112]

i h8td ths movie it was so racit 2wards maori

[@fu8713]

@@markreynolds1112 go away kid! Go play on the freeway or something lol

[@ryangibson1901]

@@markreynolds1112 racist? Do you not see the actors and also how they are average Maori? Bar a few of them who are in Hollywood etc.

[@markreynolds1112]

@@ryangibson1901 do u nt understand how this movie made maori look like wild savages....and has hindered race relations in nz evr since?

[@bernardjackson7119]

Still just as powerful today as it was when it first premiered. Sitting in the theatre at the end of the film nobody moved just totally stunned at the intensity and realism of the movie

[@muruparasniper8140]

She won the award in our hearts we will always remember this movie for our lifetime.

[@not1iota229]

Temuera Morrison was the right guy for the job, im glad they stuck with him.

[@rossonero9536]

If I had to choose one of the thousands of movies I've ever seen to do a cast reunion it would definitely be OWW. Thanks so much for doing this and for sharing!

[@shauncharlesporter2589]

I am not a soft person, I have been to war as a young man, seen and done things no man should, I watched this film and wanted to switch it off and could not. I want to but do not have the courage to watch it again. The most incredible movie I have ever seen.

[@dianefloyd3213]

Watch it again, and then what becomes of the broken hearted. It's the follow on.

[@dallaspaul4904]

30 years on and this movie still makes me cry 😢 the best movie to come out of Aotearoa. Great to see the Heke whanau reunited ❤

[@Bebedollie]

I remember going to the movies to see this . And there was this lady sitting behind me saying" I don't think this actually happens" I still remember crying through the whole thing ❤

[@kerryeva]

I watched this alone at home in my 20’s I remember it vividly. I bawled and rang my mum right after it to talk about it. Unbelievable film.

[@_Hamish]

I'm so proud to come from NZ with the creation of this masterpiece. I really took for granted just how powerful the actors were in this, especially T Morrison and Rena Owen.

[@courtneylachance002]

This is one of my favorite movies of all time hands down..

[@geraldcoffey3303]

Rena Owens Magic. The most powerful movie ever to come out of NZ. This doc made me cry many times over.

[@darylmorrell1187]

It broke us. It made us rethink.

[@JT-dk9eo]

Probably the most powerfull movie iv ever seen,,have watched it many times,and have shown it to many friends,,most were blown away ... no 2 was not so great but still good..

[@faze_seki8433]

Beautiful whanau kia kaha UP THE MĀORIS

[@faze_seki8433]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤god bless yall❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️❤️❤️✝️🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌✝️✝️✝️🕊️🕊️🙌🙌❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️🕊️🙏🙌❤️✝️🕊️🙌🙏✝️✝️🙏🕊️❤️🙌🙏🕊️🙌✝️❤️

[@douglasvirtue3575]

I caught about 10 minutes of the movie and it haunted me. Living in Canada I really knew nothing about these people but those few moments made a real impression on me! I drove around looking for a copy and couldnt find it anywhere. I ended up ordering it, paying at least double what any new movie was worth and then waited for about 10 weeks to get it. It was and still is the most real and profound movie I have ever seen. I have lent it out many times over the years and it effected everyone who ever saw it. Seeing this video tonight was like visiting with real friends. It is truly a timeless masterpiece!

[@Rookies103]

Brought up in this, much love movies will never be the same! , Peace love and light all

[@franckmantin3161]

I've watched this movie numerous times, I really love it; excellent acting and story. I'm sad Rena Owens didn't get the best actress award, this isn't fair. To me this is one of the best movie I've watched ever!

[@ManaBlack208]

NZ is a racist country frank they like doing that sort of thing to us maori wankers

[@Peterphantastic1]

absolutely brilliant. Thank you so much for this. Great to see everyone 20 years on. Still powerful and relevant today. One of the best movies ever.

[@mitch3384]

"The single most important film to come out of this country." - I'd agree with that, absolutely.

[@elizaandalisa]

After 20 odd years I will watch this fantastic movie again Marty Australia

[@rodwilliams4170]

I use this movie and it’s themes for my Sociological Factors Impacts unit as a Tafe Teacher. It covers so much ground. It’s like a crash course in Sociology. I have a greater understanding and respect for Maori culture now as well. It’s a beautiful thing!!

[@lisacameron4698]

One of the most powerful performances to ever be created and unfortunately its still the reality of so many kiwi families.