THIS WAS SUCH A DIFFICULT WATCH || ONCE WERE WARRIORS || FIRST TIME WATCHING || Movie Reaction

Once Were Warriors (1994) Starring: Rena Owen, Temuera Morrison, Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell and Cliff Curtis. Directed by: Lee Tamahori
Set in New Zealand in the 90s, a family descended from Maori warriors is bedeviled by a violent father and the societal problems of being treated as outcasts.
Full length reaction available on my Patreon: Patreon.com/chrissiereacts
I've been told a good pick me up from this would be Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Boy. Both directed by Taika Waititi. Did he also direct What We Do in the Shadows? I've only seen the TV show so I'm excited to watch the movie!
I also remember hearing great things about Whale Rider so I've added it to my list :)
If anyone is here from my Chopper video, I plan on reacting to The Castle, Black Hawk Down and Munich for some more Eric Band action.
#nz #māori #allblacks #auckland #wellington #christchurch #rotorua #tauranga #australia #tasmania #kiwi #hawaii #samoa #tonga

[@chrissiereacts]

Hey everyone! I'm really sorry for all the ugly crying 😭 But more importantly, please take care watching this as the content may be extra difficult for some people 💙 I feel a bit nervous posting this one... a lot of raw emotions. I'll be taking a break from sad movies for a bit so if you have any suggestions for something fun, comment below! If you'd like to watch the full reaction, you can find it on Patreon: Patreon.com/chrissiereacts

[@hagar1959]

You weren’t the only one ugly crying

[@BrickNewton]

Thank you for reacting to this, it's a hard emotional watch. Big hugs from New Zealand

[@mbatts731]

All good, you’ll have to watch the second one

[@ashpearce2289]

Its a perfectly sane way to react to this film..Im a 6+foot 150kg guy covered in tatts and it makes me tear up when i watching it coz it makes me very upset that the kids grew up in that,but happy my kids are safe with me (single full time dad of two autistic kids) Im a big fan of your vids mate keep it up.Love from Australia (:

[@user-vj6vl5zw6f]

Hmmmm 🤔 for an Aussie "origin" story pre world war one movie try "Breaker Morant"

[@xelten]

38 year old Kiwi man here, I've skimmed through the comments and seen that no one has mentioned that Cliff Curtis who played Uncle Bully initially refused the role and as a humble honest man hated the idea of the role, he took it on to shine a light on what happens in NZ society in certain places but it nearly broke him doing so. so many talented actors in this film and in the next one "What becomes of the broken hearted" I grew up with these films and they have never been an easy watch but they definitely are powerful

[@jasanders5877]

Kia Kaha bro

[@bobbiecannon3234]

Well said 👏

[@NexusNocturnal-cn9db]

Oh shit I completely forgot about that 😢

[@flangmasterj]

40 year old Kiwi here my man and I would've seen this at the age of 11. Watching this reaction now was just as hard as I recall it was back when I was a child. It's one of the few films I find a real challenge to get through possibly because it hits so close to home. I recommend all Kiwi's watch it but also don't recommend it because it's so jarring.

[@monicaking2140]

Have you watched the reunion of the actors

[@shanegooding4839]

Rena Owen should have won awards for her performance in this.

[@dunkyvslife7447]

Bloody oath!

[@Lostboyss15]

I think they did feel bad and gave her one a year later

[@anon17472]

She won multiple best actress awards at film festivals

[@Matt-wt4ki]

Not arguing but I thought she did, correct me if I'm wrong

[@TerminusEst1982]

She did; the respect of most people in the acting world and the audience. Her performance is timeless and as such, so is she. That's the reward. :)

[@leonieburnham322]

When this was first released in Australia I went and saw it at the movies. It was a full house, Gracie was the spitting image of my bestie, a kiwi. When the final credits rolled no one moved, it was both stunned silence or sobbing, I was ugly sobbing. As we all finally left for the brighter lights of the lobby, still in silence or sniffing back the tears, the light on pretty much everyones face showed both empathy & trauma. Men & women alike were or had been crying and no words spoken till people had made it outside to the pavement. It was surreal.

[@michaelkelloway2925]

I remember the silence of the cinema. For me, it put me right on the spot and I had to admit that what was portrayed in the movie was also my own lived experience. I also had to concede that it must have hurt.....

[@mandown45]

I am a 46 year old Australian man who grew up in this era, My father was Jake the muss and my Uncle was Bully. This movie is a very hard watch for me even as a grown man I also watched it when it came out. It still does illicit very strong emotions and I must admit I did go to some very dark places when I was younger and destroyed a lot of things some of them beautiful things. I never have raised my hand to a woman nor mistreated one and find Bullies trigger a very strong reaction in me. I hunted them for many years. This movie is a very accurate representation of life in Australia and New Zealand back in the 70's/80's/ early 90's. These men and their culture of Alcohol, Bravado and Violence was a stain on our countries. I am sure I have furnished many therapists houses cars schooling and retirement. It took me 15 years to control myself and in that time I too extracted a heavy toll on society. The only positive I take away was that I turned it back on this group off men and ended many of them and their reign of terrors' but not without a heavy toll and price to pay myself. I do not share this to boast but to say for a warrior to burry his sword he must make peace with his past and pick up the plow. I hope no one ever has to live this life of fear pain and suffering but if you have please know you are not alone you are worth more than you know and God loves you very much. God Bless you all and please be kind to each other and plant trees for the next generation to rest under.

[@MoonlightDivinity]

Planting trees with you!

[@dexio8601]

That was very well written, thanks mate.

[@peter-wl5xl]

I lived this life in nz as a child born in the 70s .I'm 50 and i cried watching this and from the other side of the world I watched you cry with empathy all I wanted to do was to hold you and protect you as I did to my younger siblings when I was Grace's age.i work in the mines in Australia I sit here in my room with my dinner and 2 beers. I shower I sit on my bed and I cry due to my memories then I sleep. 😢take care thank you for showing us your empathy your heart and your tears ❤

[@EmmyElle.]

As a kiwi, who grew up with this film, It’s a super accurate portrayal of what so many people have gone thru and are going thru. It’s eye opening and heart breaking

[@michaelmarama-de4gx]

Definitely

[@Lilfauntleroyswampson1121]

Yeah I don’t believe I used to watch this unfazed when I was five. It’s a heavy watch these days

[@draygontaygen677]

There was a statement made with the film. But due to censorship it never left New Zealand. In 70% of homes around the world violence is happening, if you see/hear it happening call for help on their behalf.

[@1KQ_]

It's surreal as a fellow kiwi myself and a maori seeing people outside our country experience the new zealand culture, glad they are seeing it regardless, as brutal as this movie is.

[@deficator750]

its Maori who go through this

[@ShaawtyB]

In Australia we all grew up with this film. I'm a First Nations Australian and we can relate to our Maori brothas and sistas a lot. I've only watched this movie once because it's too heavy for me but glad folks world wide have come to know it and appreciate it as much as the rest of us have 🖤

[@Wardads1]

I am Maori ,and I have 5 Murri kids. Can only watch this once before something breaks inside .

[@ShaawtyB]

@@Wardads1 I feel you! 🤍

[@edwright480]

Hello, there is a follow up movie called ''What Becomes of the Broken Hearted'.

[@VauxhallViva1975]

Probably the best movie New Zealand has ever produced. But there are some stellar other ones. Goodbye Pork Pie would HAVE to run a VERY close 2nd. Then there is Smash Palace, Came A Hot Friday, Utu, Never Say Die etc...

[@tillstar74]

I'm Australian and movie " Savage" reminds my Father's history. Especially with the Boy's homes.

[@J.Cubbin]

I saw Rena Owen in a carpark recently she picked something up that had fallen out of my car. I took a moment to thank her for her work in this film and she was as gracious and sweet hearted as you could imagine. One of the great films of all time for me ❤

[@KIRALYW]

Your reaction was like mine. I was pregnant when I went to the movies to see this. I would go on to have a girl & I named her Grace. I’ve raised her to be a warrior.

[@Viaterarising]

I watched this as a 12 year old boy. I am 40 now, to this day it's still the heaviest movie I have ever seen.

[@pete849]

That's crazy, I was 12 when I watched this and I'm 40 now too. And yes def the heaviest movie I've ever seen too.

[@Sayin42]

@@pete849same here, just turned 40 in Jan

[@jamiebrooks3864]

​@@pete849bad boy bubby far heavery

[@jerryinnes2859]

I'm 45 now, watched it when it first came out, my age was somewhere around 14. I was fine with the entire movie, except for when you young girl hung herself. Cause that would mean she was about my age. I never liked older guys staring at young teenagers since.

[@CJCappella]

If my parents were alive I would be asking them the same things of why they let me watch this at 10-years. I am now 39...

[@moheka30]

Hey, I'm Māori from New Zealand, and I was crying with you, I saw this back when it first came out in the theatre, saw my Mum in Beth Heke, lucky it was dark in the theatre because I was crying through out. It is a movie that is meant to illicit emotional reponses as yours and mine. Great side to my story, I was like Nig Heke, got out of the gang, Married for 26 years, never raised a fist to my wife, angry words between us, usually quickly followed by an apology, but she is so understanding of my background, which helps so much. Your reaction is so expected, and so not apologise for it.

[@elenawilliams32]

My father was like that too, my Mum was amazing. Like you I've broken the cycle. Well done mate, I love hearing success stories like yours and your wifes. I sincerely hope that life is being kind to you now. Kia Kaha.

[@hemek]

Chur bro - glad you got out - I can't imagine the life in Black Power or Mongrel Mob but imagine its not sunshine and rainbows

[@matteoformigoni8933]

Your a strong man. Stay blessed with happiness to you and your family brother

[@DC_Souljah]

Watched this as a young impressionable 13 yr old Māori boy. Unfortunately, like so many of us , this was a familiar life. Angry broken alcoholic father, mother at times barely holding it together. Povity parties, alcohol drugs, violence, abuse and worse.... Watching this reaction 30 yesrs later tears me up. I have teenagers and mokopuna now, japoy to say.. i broke this ugly destructive cycle from the generations before me, and my children and grandchildren will never know this life.

[@megsinaus4207]

Awesome my friend! I’m a STH Auckland girl who grew up knowing that this happened to my close friends. They felt shame at the time but we were always cool if they didn’t feel the brunt of it. So sad Props to you and blessings on your family ❤️

[@jadeybabes33]

New Zealander here - we totally understand you crying as it broke all of us too and opened a lot of our eyes to things happening right under our noses - Rena Owen (Beth) gave one of the most harrowing, raw and exceptional performances I've ever seen - and Tem Morrison was also just outstanding. I cried through your reaction to this emotional ride, raw emotion is refreshing!

[@pat4711]

Morrison is by far one of the best actors, he played a psychopath as Jake The Muss but is actually one of the nicest blokes you’d ever meet!

[@brendonross5774]

You’re not in Guatemala now Dr Roparta

[@MattNgahere]

The same as Cliff Curtis, plays an absolutely filthy animal in this movie,but one of the nicest most humble people you will ever meet.

[@darylobey8867]

Bully was a punk in this film but when played smiley in training day he wasent fuckin around and its cool thay both actors have been in some huge films hear in north america tam will live on for ever for this role as jake and boba fett ​@MattNgahere

[@fabianwright9147]

Jake is so Humble ❤

[@tanepukenga1421]

You could almost say... he's a lovable chap

[@gutz1981]

In the original book of Once Were Warriors, Uncle Bully did not get his comeuppance and was never found out to do what he did. So glad the movie chose a different route.

[@thestoicwhinger]

I think it also showed the grief and anger that Jake couldn't deal with, coming out in the only way he could process. In some way it gives the movie a sense of closure, as violent as that scene is

[@ReverZe83]

UNCLE FUCKIN BULLLLAYYY

[@deadlyredly1]

The book was a damned hard read. I appreciate what the author (Alan Duff) was going for, and it was incredibly well written - but the complete lack of punctuation was something I couldn't get my head around

[@philmurdoch1203]

I think you will it even harder when it wasn’t Bully who was raping Gracie,but Jake. They changed it for the movie.

[@robyn3590]

​@philmurdoch1203 really? Wow. That's hard. I've obviously seen the movie but haven't read the book. I want to go find it now.

[@megsinaus4207]

I grew up in Manurewa in the ‘70s and ‘80s. This IS a true depiction of what went on back then in some places. Had friends I slept over and we had to put the kitchen knife through the doorframe so no one could come in when we were asleep. Can still hear the guitars and singing though, that was sweet

[@lionheart1]

It was life back then. Exactly. The parties, fights. Drunkenness. Thefts. Rotorua, kaiangaroa forestry council work, timber mills, roading, rdrainlaying, etc. Work hard, play hard, and party hard. Flying bottles and glasses every Friday and Saturday night. 60s and 70s. This movie is exactly as it was.

[@janmcbain7750]

Apparently, the book was meant to have been based on a Pub in Invercargil. I do remember going to this Pub when I was 18. Boy, it was scary. l didn't know where to look, and yes, 2 fights broke out

[@fu8713]

Yes exactly but not that rape shit but made a big impact on the movie biggest part I suppose very emotional shiit

[@tired8788]

I remember reading somewhere that Temuera Morrison got depressed following the films success because people kept approaching him and quoting his character. It bothered him that Jake was being perceived as a hero. He's apparently an incredibly gentle man. Props to his acting prowess, switching from charming to psychotic at the drop of a hat, in a captivating and honest portrayal of the volatility and draw of these types of tragic relationships.

[@52BLUE]

I was 13 when this was released and went to school with many New Zealanders here in Melbourne. The young boys would quote 'Jake the Muss' in school. I was in grade 6.

[@helstonoldboy]

He also had problems in his real life while he was filming because Jake The Muss was so intense that his anger seeped into Temuera’s personal behaviour

[@shenglongisback4688]

Meet him on holiday in Hawaii he is very cool and kind.

[@trotgun1563]

yeah maori really hatted this movie ! even tho its a perfect look into modern maori culture !

[@SCBodyboarder83]

​@@52BLUElooking back it was pretty bad. Having teenage boys running around yelling " cook me some eggs bitch!"

[@LBCblackboard]

I was raised in that exact type of hell in New Zealand. Extreme violence, Parties, rampant Rape, suicide and all types of addiction abuse. Now after a nearly two decade marriage rich in exploration and life lived we now have two young kids, my life now seemingly everything my upbringing was not. I used to be the most proud when I think of this, but now my life has been so different for much longer then those hellish years of an upbringing that I can barely relate to it all now

[@thearmchairjournalist566]

You deserve your happiness and beautiful family and have proved you’ve broken the cycle and ensured your children have a future of promise and love because of your dedication to your loved ones 🫶

[@thecongenital3035]

You broke the cycle. Always remember your mental state is important to look after. ❤

[@lindyjourde7411]

Same, same.. 😢

[@kennethbonto2313]

I also broke that cycle and am very proud about that too, none of my kids have seen or been through any of that. It might be in large part because I married an Asian i dont know but i always said to myself i would never be with someone who throws hands and if their family tried shit i would shut it down str8 away. I wish it was the same with my other siblings, 3 sisters with gangsta men and 2 bros who can't handle and as soon as they get frustrated or angry they use their hands to shut it down. My youngest sis doesn't want kids because she sees the cycle repeating in the others and also in their kids

[@fu8713]

Rampant rape?? Sounds like bull crap to me

[@turdferguson400]

I’m so glad I found your reactions, Chrissie. Just today. I’m a 57 year old Australian, and I remember crying when I first saw this film. After that, I watched it several times and was so impressed by the acting skills of all players. Particularly Rena Owen. To me the original owners (Maori) of Aotearoa are noble people and warriors. I feel ashamed that our aboriginal peoples aren’t given the same opportunities and respect.

[@tomweather8887]

Rena Owens portrayal of a mother's grief in this film is so harrowing. It's such a difficult thing to fake. Incredible performance.

[@65cj55]

It's a horrible reality, never apologize for being a caring person with feelings.

[@forthesnowflakes7691]

💯

[@coyotejake9164]

A Maori buddy of mine turned me on to this film back when I lived in Hawai’i. I’m still grateful that he did, 25 years later. It’s a DEEPLY moving piece portrayed by a tremendous cast, all of whom turned in stellar performances.

[@JaredEnoch-5.18]

This is the best and most authentic reaction anyone has ever done on Once Were Warriors. It really is great to watch someone from another country and culture who can relate to this film. And honestly seeing you cry was truly moving and is what made this video great so don't apologize.

[@bladerees5919]

This is how my mum grew up. She made sure it wasn’t around us. Well she did her best 😂. Proud to be Māori and even more proud of our people

[@SneakyKiwi71]

There was total silence in the theater at the end of this movie. Nobody said a word until they were outside, and even then, it was hushed conversations

[@wiremuhewitt8678]

Yep i remember walking out of the theatre. Nobody said a word. I was a social worker at Child Youth & Families with other workers who saw the movie. We were stunned, you it know it happens, and we dealt with it in our work, but still seeing it portrayed on the big screen was overwhelming

[@fatherburning358]

This movie speaks as much to us men about the horrors we have inside us if we dont face our own darkness and force our inner dragon to yield. I am a Maori man, i reject the aggressive abuse and lies my whanau never speak about. I reject that my trauma as a child should be swept under the rug. My grandfather was like this lead character "Jake", my father never recovered from the violence and was never a dad for myself or my brother. This movie is a brutally honest depiction of the universal consequences all families who suffer familial violence endure.

[@KNWBDY.important]

Same here bro, 28 now and only starting to make sense of the real world. What's normal, what's not normal etc. Kia kaha bruv

[@braxtonmackenzie1]

Much love for both of you. Kia kaha.

[@fatherburning358]

@KNWBDY.important kia kaha bro. Good to know your finding your way 🙏

[@fatherburning358]

@@braxtonmackenzie1 appreciated 🙏

[@thecongenital3035]

Aww mate I hope you're ok and that you forgave them both. I hope you broke the cycle brother xx

[@aaronclair4301]

I'm Maori and 48 yrs old. This was so accurate and extremely well made. The main actors actually found it emotionally wrenching during and after filming

[@phxenixs3801]

As a New Zealand Indigenous Maori, I too grew up watching my father like this towards myself my siblings and my mother. I'm sure every Maori here would agree with me. Fun fact: these joint 2storey houses were commission housing. They have a mountain top view of Mission Bay stretching out to Rangitoto Island. My Grandfather is the old man blessing the house then gives the oldest brother a Hongi at the end.

[@phxenixs3801]

25:28 Love you Kolo 🖤

[@sford1320]

Rena Owen (Beth) is a beast of an actress

[@rowanscott915]

She wasn't acting, none of them were.

[@raymondrhorer6045]

​@@rowanscott915 didn't know this was a documentary

[@mariettew-b9629]

@@raymondrhorer6045it’s based on REAL life for a lot people, not just in NZ, all over the world.

[@elijahmaoate2534]

I’m always impressed when KZbinrs react to Once we’re warriors. There’s so many good movies, music etc that the world doesn’t know about from different cultures. Once were warriors is one of the best films ever

[@Kalashboy420]

yeah because nearly every reactor is from america, and they are so fucking closed in when it comes to anything non american. its like they are experiencing their own iron curtain like the soviets did during the cold war. its a real shame, because there is a lot of good yanks out there that would like our movies and art from down this way.

[@MadDogAdventures]

In the books it was more about what was going on in Jakes head, it showed him as a man/child instead of the hard man he's portrayed in the movie. Also, in the books people thought it was Jake who raped Grace and he was so drunk he couldn't remember, so even he wasn't sure. In the second book, Jake got his act together, had a job and played rugby. In one game a kid, on other team kept targeting Jake and he couldn't understand why the kid seemed to hate him so much. The kid was Toot, all grown up

[@thatsupersamoan41]

Samoan here. I can honestly say this movie is not for the emotionally or mentally weak. I want to give you credit for watching this movie because it’s not an easy movie to watch for some. I remember watching this for the first time and I don’t get uncomfortable in uncomfortable situations but there was one scene where I did (I won’t say which one). Overall I still have a lot of love and respect for this movie because it highlights most of the things that are swept under the rug with Polynesian families

[@bimma320]

Your reaction is exactly how I feel, and I’m a mid 40’s white Australian man who grew up in a violent house with a drunk and abusive father. You are exactly right, it wasn’t all bad times, we had some really great times. I shudder and cry at all the same parts of this movie that you do. I feel it vividly in my soul. Thanks for posting this to remind me how profoundly accurate and stirring this movie is. Love your content.

[@jeremybeckett6]

I'm 45, and my home was like this when I was a kid. Difference being, my dad didn't drink, and being a single father, means I wore it when he was pissed off. He got better when he remarried ( when I was 11.) But I will never forget the fear and always wondering what I did that was so bad it deserved the hidings. It puts a lump in your throat watching her react doesn't it?

[@HiNickCares]

Who picked the dad?

[@porkbones8751]

@@HiNickCares ummmmmmm! His mother??

[@HiNickCares]

@@porkbones8751 The woman picked the boyfriend/husband.

[@thatsreelcreative]

Hello, I'm half Maori, half English. I am 38 years old. I grew up like this in Sydney but worse as my dad was a huge Maori stand-over man and previous to becoming a Christian, he was very violent in Sydney's red Kings Cross. So for me, when you grow up like this especially in the 90s when I was a kid, I thought it was normal as it was normalised to me at a young age. Dad would hit mum, I would go to school, I would cry but the next day was a new day. Obviously, when you grow out of that, you realise it wasn't normal. Now I have PTSD and still get nightmares and have been getting nightmares since my twenties. I look after mum now. We are survivors. God bless, hope your channel blows up.

[@sandcram]

What happened to dad?

[@GazzyD]

The best way to get back at your father is to keep being the great man that you are. Do not resemble your father in any way, do not follow in his footsteps, look after your mother, be better than he is. Find a healthy way to heal. Praying for your peace my bro 🙏🏾

[@eoinc9511]

Tautoko e hoa mauri ora

[@thatsreelcreative]

@@sandcram Dad went to go home with the Lord on March 7 2023.

[@thatsreelcreative]

@@GazzyD I had anger for a long time but I still loved my dad, he went home with the Lord in 2023.

[@lukerolleston4852]

It was like watching again but with new eyes warching with you. Hits just as hard as it did when i was 14. I skipped school to go to the movies to watch this 4 times. Every time people would be in tears. This movie is a true classic now.

[@tracymichaelsen493]

Im a New Zealand Maori. I also read the book which sadly is far worse. They diluted it because it was too horrific. The boy in the car was addicted to masturbation as it was his only comfort. The rapist wasnt uncle Bully it was Jake the father. Im from a small town all the woman agreed how accurate this movie was. Yet what amazed me most was how angry Maori men were of being portrayed as violent. Not all Maori men only the violent ones.The author of the book got death threats and I believe he left New Zealand because of the abuse he received. I think you are a lovely woman just by how shocked and hurt you were. Maori once were gardeners and we were warriors to those gardens. This is a side effect of tribes loss of the united purpose to survive off the land as one with our own governance. Thank you, its been along time since I remembered and mourned my people. Arohanui.

[@cozzazee4043]

I met "Gracie", years back. She invited me to her 40th Birthday Party, through a mutual friend.. I met her daughter that looks exactly like her in this movie. The most beautiful and amazing souls I have ever met.

[@mitch3384]

If you haven't seen it, check out the cast reunion video. I'm glad that Temuera and Cliff made it in Hollywood, but I was more of the cast had that success, especially Rena.

[@Day_0ne]

Gracie went to my high-school in Whangarei, at that time she was known as Anita but for reasons unknown to me she changed her name to Mamaengaroa.

[@jamesp2719]

You don't have to say sorry for crying this is one of the hardest films to watch, thank you for being brave and posting this reaction

[@levidarius1066]

Brave.. are you delusional

[@jamesp2719]

@@levidarius1066 what makes you say that?

[@levidarius1066]

She's not brave for a reaction

[@jamesp2719]

@@levidarius1066 well first off when I said brave it was for watching this movie and I would say the same about any woman watching it, it is a tough movie in some parts to watch

[@d.p.l9623]

@@levidarius1066 I think you are the delusional one here bro

[@dreadlord5581]

Will never forget seeing this in Sydney when it first came out (I was in my early 20's) , absolutely brutal. The film makers/actors did an incredible job of creating something that was instantly recognisable as virtually more of a documentary than a piece of fiction.

[@aimeerandall7889]

Kiwi here. I've always wondered how someone from another country would react to this movie. I believe Cliff Curtis (Uncle Bully) initially refused the role. Temuera Morrison (Jake) you will recognise. Star Wars/The Mandalorian. He spoke in an interview raising awareness for domestic violence and talked about how him getting into character amd being in this role was terrifying. It fucked him up. I've only watched this movie a handful of time; bawled every damn time...and again watching this The saddest thing is this is still a reality for many around the world. I love the Māori spiritualit depicted in this movie. Its beautiful, and directed in such a way anyone can understand it.

[@moreinterference]

The sequel is actually really good too and hardly anyone reacts to it. Do recommend. I grew up in the same small town where Alan Duff lived when this came out. I never met him but had a lot of classes in HS with his daughter who was super nice and really down to earth considering her dad was one of the most famous people in New Zealand at that time. Rena Owen should have won serious awards for this performance.

[@charleshayes3610]

It's almost criminal that the third book wasn't brought to screen either

[@brownnative4988]

Fordblock

[@mariettew-b9629]

@@charleshayes3610I didn’t know there was a third book!

[@thewhitedwarf3846]

i thought the sequel was kinda absurd

[@SPVFilmsLtd]

I didn't care for the sequel. The way it turned into an action-movie at the end felt very silly. Which is a pity because a Jake The Muss redemption story is a great idea.

[@abritablondeabike]

It's a very famous movie here in NZ. New Zealand is also a very small country, I had a beer with Temuera Morrison 20 years ago. He was sat in a pub by himself. I just went over and said hi. He is a lovely guy. You may have recognized him from all the star wars stuff he does now. Well done. Another tough movie to watch. 👍👍👏

[@chrissiereacts]

That's really cool! I haven't seen star wars 🙈

[@fredfinks]

The 'slice of heaven' song was a weird choice though the director made for this movie. kinda didnt match the tone

[@abritablondeabike]

Yes and no. It's a very famous song here, Sung by Dave Dobbyn. Typical of the time period. Very very Kiwi. He is a national treasure now. 😆

[@lordnevetsz]

@@abritablondeabike So famous they thaw him out at xmas time to preform at public events lol

[@abritablondeabike]

🤣🤣 yep.

[@RobbieBlack-og1zh]

I grew up in Otangarei, Whangarei in NZ in the 80's and 90's. My uncle who was the president of the Black Power for that chapter lived on the next street. The parties, the gangs, the fights, the abuse are very real. Seen it with my own eyes. I watched this as an adolescent. It had no affect on me at the time. It was normal. I watched this a few years ago with my wife for the first time since. What a shock! She was so sad and horrified by the lifestyle and so was I. I had somewhat forgotten the impact of this movie. This life. Im married. Have 4 kids and am happy that this does not happen in my house. No alcohol. No wild parties. No gangs. No abuse. ❤️

[@MKJR_]

A beautifully tragic story, as a Kiwi from NZ thank you for taking the time to react to this and share your vulnerability throughout it. The tears were a universal reaction.

[@xPhlyt]

As somebody who grew up in New Zealand with VERY similar things in this movie, i have a love/hate relationship with this movie. I hate it because it brings back so much unwanted memories but i love it because its powerful, it exposes the issues we have but most of all i love it because it makes me realise that i broke the cycle and im giving my kids better. This was made years ago but the issues in this are still around, unfortunately. Thank you for reacting to it ❤🤍🖤

[@thewhitedwarf3846]

its worse than ever, the culture is south auckland is horrific, tho real estate prices are rising and the demographic is shifting to indian/chinese but the state housing projects still exist

[@bobhawke7373]

I am a 43 year old man and I teared up many times during this movie when I saw this as a kid and cried again when I saw it as an adult. How could you not? I'm a man, not a machine. Bravo to the performances. A1

[@Darkhyron]

43 it's not old

[@monikav9415]

I'm half moari on my mum's side. This is how she grew up and why she actually left her family in NZ. She had a different life here in Aus with my dad but when I was little I remember those demons didn't stray far from her, she loved a drink and had a good time doing it. She passed away not long after this movie was released from cancer when I was 10. When I was a teenager I watched this to try and understand who and what she went through. This movie is terrific but hard to watch.

[@BiggRomez]

Loved your reaction! Watching along, knowing the film already, seeing you put the pieces together in real time was fun, for lack of a better word. Beautiful film! ❤

[@Mr48two]

My mum said this movie made her and her friends laugh when they were teens watching this. She told me it’s all they knew. mum was raised with this lifestyle. It’s not until you’re told “this ain’t normal” that you realise it’s not.

[@tanepukenga1421]

The amazing thing is thanks to people doing things like making this movie and creating anti-violence programs it's been mostly turned around in a single generation. The rates of DV then compared to now are wildly different.

[@mthomsonkiwi]

Thanks for taking the time to watch this masterpiece. Don't worry about the crying. We cry when we watch it too.

[@lindyjourde7411]

We sure do. 😢

[@thewhitedwarf3846]

if this movie was made in Hollywood it would have won best picture. so powerful, so quintessentially New Zealand.

[@rabbit290670]

I lived round the corner from where the pub scenes were filmed. Was great meeting all the cast. Always had time for us.

[@addicted2detail372]

A movie that everyone needs to see once in their lives. It will stay with you forever. A super powerful female film. Truly horrific yet strangely hypnotic and charming.

[@bennichols1113]

Shout out to Cliff Curtis for an excellent job on a character who could never be loved.

[@gavinyoung7085]

It must be difficult taking on a role like that. It's a great actor who can serve the story and make it work so well. He's gone on to have a great career in film and television

[@MrAhuapai]

He turned down a role in the film Mahana because it portrayed a rapist.

[@bennichols1113]

@@MrAhuapai probably want to avoid that typecast

[@MrAhuapai]

@@bennichols1113 absolutely

[@angelicfiendz]

Good thing about him is hes such a good actor that the “uncle bully” title didnt stick to him for very long cause he went on to do some great movies and play some legendary characters.

[@ruatipao1298]

You didn’t say much… but your tears and genuine reactions spoke volumes! Thank you for being so real! This movie “Once Were Warriors” was from my country of New Zealand, but its themes and story is truly international. Jake “The Mus” Heke (Temuera Morrison), played Jango Fett, in Star Wars: Episode II and III, Boba Fett in the Star Wars TV Series The Book of Boba Fett, Jason Momoa’s father in “Aquaman”, and a bunch of other movies, so that’s why he probably looks familiar.

[@Bluemoon2000x]

I’m a kiwi and I just want to say Thankyou for reacting to this. It’s a hard movie for sure but very relatable for us.

[@ThBigIAm]

This movie changed the world... actually it's not a movie it's a documentary 😢 it's just how it was in those times ... real eye opener

[@PetrikNZ]

I'm not sure it's just those times, I think you'll find it still the same today.

[@benniboysavage]

I’m new to the channel and I was born and raised in NZ. I think that you did a great job with the reaction, editing, commentary and etc. All things considered, you’ve served your community content and quality content at that! Thank you for sharing an experience of yours with us.

[@ceilidhferguson1890]

No matter how many times I watch this, I get very emotional. I'm from NZ and so proud of the filmmakers and most of all! The actor's and actresses for bringing this film to life, in such a relatable way!! It's such a moving film and is one of our finest!. Wish it wasn't a reality to real life but unfortunately it is a true depiction of some family life here and all over the world!!

[@Bevtone]

I grew up in south Auckland and this movie is so palpable and raw! A reflection of our reality

[@niigamataytay_yaya3640]

For real, 274 OTS 💁‍♂

[@christinealsop5800]

In New Zealand we watched this as kids. What makes it a hard hitting movie is it is a reality to so many. 😢

[@JadeStarr]

Subbed after watching your Chopper React. This one was awesome also, crying along with you. You Rock!

[@propositionjohnston]

An Aussie here; Your reviews are great 👍 and sometimes I shed a tear too - you don’t need to apologise for it - it shows your humanity. Thank you!

[@nexus.shadow]

im from new zealand, despite the harshness of the content we are proud of the movie itself, family violence wasn't really talked about in the open back then, its better now, not gone, but better, i first saw this movie when it came out in theaters,i was 13 years old, i used to stop off on my way home from school on friday nights and go to the movies by myself, there was nothing really that interested me that day but i saw the title and thought it was about war so i went in.. man was it educating

[@thewhitedwarf3846]

your full of shit, it was restricted to 14+ in cinemas and they checked ID's

[@jasonnaylor3799]

There is a part 2 to this. Is called, What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted. Its not got quite the same impact. But its still worth a watch ✌️

[@52BLUE]

i enjoyed it very much and almost saw it as Jake's redemption arc. Had nowhere near the same impact as the first though.

[@clarkdef]

Hugely underrated film! Very well made and you don't normally hear a score like it has. People will compare it to the first movie, but you can't, it's a different sort of film with a different intention.

[@PANN1Cau]

I always liked the second one more as while it had some somber moments it also reminded me a lot of a Footrot Flats comic

[@user-gz3pj5np6h]

There 3 part 🖤🤍❤️

[@Maddie101100]

Thank you for taking the time to watch this. This is a huge representation for some of our whanau here, more than some like to admit it. I remember watching this as a kid and I think we watched it in our socials class too.

[@12345678919789]

I was in tears, watching you in tears, watching this movie, I could see in my minds eye, what scene was playing just by looking at the expressions on your face, some of the scenes are so incredibly powerful, that I'm sure that this movie will stand the test of time, which by your reaction, it has, thank you for such a wonderful and AUTHENTIC response ❤️

[@darrenmoore1305]

Chrissie, there are no words that can adequately describe this movie. It is such a visceral story. Thirty years after first seeing it, and having watched it multiple times over the intervening years, it is still the most brutal movie I have ever watched, and still one of the greatest. I am a 59 year old 6'5" sailor and it still moves me to tears all these years later. There is no other way for a normal person to react to this movie. It is scary. It is happening today in homes throughout the world, under the veneer of civilisation and that is what makes it terrifying. Thanks you so much for such an honest reaction. I, and I am sure all your viewers would agree, that it was the right way to react. As for why Temaura Morrison may seem familiar, especially if you have never seen Star Wars is he is Aquaman's father if you have watched that.

[@declanshannon8561]

Keep the banger Australian and New Zealand flicks coming

[@it-really-hurts2092]

Bad Boy Bubby?

[@HiNickCares]

@@it-really-hurts2092 No!

[@mariettew-b9629]

@@it-really-hurts2092geezus! That was one hell of a movie. I shudder just thinking about the title !

[@hashtagfilm]

OMG I'm so glad you reacted to this. Such an underappreciated film that doesn't get enough recognition. So powerful. It toys with your emotions. This is the only movie where you hate a character SOOOO much but then you root for them in the end. PLEASE watch the sequel.

[@ellenmcaleese7004]

My cousin and I spent the first 20 mins in the theatre watching this with our hands over our eyes and only peeking through our fingers. We left after that and have never watched the movie since. Thanks for culling it for us, it was too hard to watch in full.

[@DeadlyEncounters13]

Im proud to be a Kiwi 🇳🇿 this is a raw look into life nobody wants to see but all know is there.

[@KeetahHudson]

Maoris ain't Kiwis though

[@knowahnosenothing4862]

@@KeetahHudson No, they Iwi's jk

[@johnchrysostomon6284]

Cliff Curtis went into Hollywood after this - often (because of his looks) playing Hispanic characters, such as in "Training Day", or other assortments such as Sheikh Fadlallah in "The Insider" (also with Russell Crowe), and FBI Agent in "Live Free or Die Hard", and another Hispanic role in "Colombiana" starring Zoe Saldaña

[@murrayalexander4807]

Cliff Curtis & Temuera Morrison also acted together in the Harrison Ford/Anne Heche movie, Six Days Seven Nights as two of a group of pirates.

[@bluesfor]

I'd like to congratulate you on a magnificent review. As an Aussie, I've seen this film alot. It was a movie that you have to let roll along, and your reactions and editing were brilliant , and told the story. Well done. Your reactions on KZbin are the best on this platform by far.

[@8931888]

I've watched this movie so many times and still hits me the same as did the first time I saw it in 1997. I cried along with you and your reaction Chrissi, It's personal for me in many ways and sure hits the heart everytime

[@j0ori]

Props on getting through this one. Still hits just as hard now in my 40's as it did back when I saw it in my teens, actually brings tears to my eyes.

[@RangerDanger720]

Man I've watched this firm for over 20 years and watching your reaction to this movie has made me very emotional. Thank you for understanding how we as Maori (some) have lived lives similar to this movie.

[@matairae5270]

43 yo Māori male, my mum left and ironically we moved next door to the actual house. It was refreshing to see someone elses reaction, coz honestly I laughed heaps because my class mates were in it. You have a kind heart

[@user-mz1kz3rx4f]

Seen this hundreds of times but I was still crying with you. It’s a classic for me.

[@MarkMcLT]

I really appreciate you reacting to this. It's a tough watch but an amazing piece of work. I saw it in the theatre when it was released (in NZ) and remember how quiet it was as everyone walked out at the end.There were just no words.

[@bronzemen34]

Domestic violence has increased and so has the death rate in AUST and NZ alone This movie is so accurate it hurts

[@Regan-fc5yp]

He joined the gang to find that sense of Whanau(Family) that he never had at home.

[@TurtleCuisine]

As a kiwi, we watched this in high-school... 14 year Olds.... we were too young... Probably the best NZ story and Movie ever made

[@mariettew-b9629]

To this day, I only have to think of the title & my stomach is gripped with terror. I very rarely cry & I have to say your powerful reaction moved me a lot. Thank you. I had it bad at home with an older brother being the epitome of cowardice & a bully. Only ever picked on women & girls. Lucky me, I was the oldest girl. Our dad died & mum raised 8 children ranging from 11 months to 12 years. She never had another relationship & in some ways THAT brother was a great support to her. She was powerless to stop him. Lost count of the times I went to school with welts on my legs from a thrashing with an electric cord. He died a couple of years ago & I didn’t celebrate or grieve. I did all my grieving as a child/teen. On top of the physical abuse was the emotional & psychological cruelty. Thank you, I honour your reaction ♥️

[@dejay9404]

Kia Ora Chrissy 🙏 Yeah it's still a hard watch even now 30 odd years later.. Thank you for taking the time and giving your view on it, you were making me cry too🤣 I grew up in the suburb next to where they filmed that movie and life is still very much like that today for many Maori .. Again thank you for taking the time to watch this NZ classic 🙏

[@rayrichbrown]

I love this reaction 🙏🏽❤ you weren’t the only one crying 😭 thank you

[@slimaotearoa82]

I just felt like I needed to give you a huge hug after all of that man! ❤️Awesome reaction🙏

[@StanslaMichael]

It was extremely hard for those that grew up in that environment. I remember watching this and having the same feelings i did as a kid. PTSD. I grew up angry, but found an amazing women that loved all the anger and hurt away. I'm super protective of my children and grandchildren.

[@richardhague801]

i'm surprised this movie doesn't get reacted to more. it's such a powerful film. i've seen this dozens of times and i have tears in my eyes almost from the start every time - as a kiwi growing up in state housing, experiencing domestic violence as a child, i feel this film to my very core. but it's also a nice window to some aspects of Maori culture. many channels react to the Haka being performed at sporting events but watching Boog learning and performing gives added weight and context to such a significant cultural element. great reaction.

[@Hellurrrrrr]

Loved your reaction. So wholesome! You made me cry with you. This movie hits home because most of us maori lived this kinda lifestyle. Theres a part 2 and 3 as well. What becomes of a brokenheart.. Thats a good one too..

[@megs4193]

Ironically in Australia the dad in this was on playschool he's an awesome gentle wonderful guy, the reunion video is lovely ❤.

[@MarkMcLT]

The song the family sings in the car, "What's the time Mr Wolf" is based on a schoolyard game we used to play when I was a kid. Memory's a little fuzzy (> 50 years ago!), but it involved one person standing with their back to the other kids some distance away. They creep up and call out "What's the time Mr Wolf?" Each time, Mr Wolf has to call out a time from 1 o'clock to 12 o'clock. The idea is to get close enough to tag Mr Wolf before he calls out 12 o'clock and turns around and 'catches' someone.

[@Young.London]

That’s exactly how the game goes 😂 spot on! Played it many times as a young fella

[@jaxondawson8947]

Yep I remember that game, not as good as bullrush though!

[@MarkMcLT]

@@jaxondawson8947 True, bullrush is great!

[@exadoorrising1239]

Yes I remember that too! Bullrush was brutal though, one boy in my primary school broke his collar bone trying to run through I think he was about 8 or 9, a looooooong time ago ! In UK it’s called British Bulldog.

[@jaxondawson8947]

@@exadoorrising1239 yep we had A LOT of similar incidents/injuries here in N.Z. back in the early 90's from bullrush and also from when we'd play WWF! So BOTH games were eventually banned in all schools nationwide & WWF got removed from N.Z network TV for nearly a decade!

[@tommyross3893]

I'm from New Zealand and I remember watching this at the movies. This life was real for some of my friends but this kind of life isn't only in our country its around the world. It opened up alot of wounds and for me I'm glad it did because it gave people an insight into what really goes on behind closed doors and showed alot of people that there is hope.

[@MissAunty29]

Watched this back when it was first released on video. I've always been grateful that Inwatched it on video, at home by myself sobbing. Havent been able to watch it again since. I know its amazing, but it is so real its heartbreaking and I cannot handle.

[@becbell74]

Bloody brilliant movie. So confronting and when there is passion, good and bad , it’s full on. I think we all can see this hit you deeply, so thank you for being so brave and being so open at the end. Love a good cry. Plus you don’t have an ugly cry. Xx❤

[@685_Era]

Born and raised in south auckland, otara i still remember when they were filming the intro at the shopping centre i always use to get free seafood from where jake was eating those mussels. Some great memories and some not so much. The house was just up from my friends where they filmed also. Growing up in the 80s, 90s this was a sad reality in some households whether you were maori or pacific islanders but we learn to live and we grow. It sure was a tough time but SA otara was and will always be my home. This film put us on the map in many ways. It sheds light on family resilience, cultural identity, and the struggle against domestic violence. But there is hope.🤙🏾

[@mozzisavage60]

Thank you for your review. As a young māori boy in the early 60s, I grew up in a similar environment in NZ. My father was the same as Jake extremely violent, and I witnessed my poor mother on numerous occasions get beaten like Beth. I am now 64yrs and every time I see this movie the scars of my childhood still haunt me today.

[@chrissiereacts]

🫂💙

[@gavinpruden3306]

I assure you it’s not just a race thing Im white and I saw a huge amount of family violence and still get flashbacks. I watched this at a theatre and noted people waking out upset.

[@davidneal6920]

I remember when this film came out. So many great lines out of it . I was a soldier in the army at the time. During down time (of which there was plenty) we amused ourselves repeating the numerous classic lines like ‘hear that brothers - he wants a patch’. Funny times

[@ItsDreaxo]

Thank you for this reaction! Your tears said it all 🥺 This always hits every time I watch it!