Once Were Warriors (1994)

In the heart of urban Auckland, New Zealand, unfolds the turbulent saga of the Heke family. The patriarch, Jake Heke, is an enigmatic figure - a man who harbors love for his family, yet is shackled by his destructive violent tendencies. As we navigate the intricate maze of their lives over several weeks, we bear witness to Jake's uncontrollable eruptions of violence and the profound impact they inflict on his unsuspecting family. The narrative intricately weaves the distressing plight of his youngest son, teetering on the brink of foster care due to his run-ins with the law, and the elder son, enticed by the dangerous allure of street gang life. Meanwhile, Jake's daughter grapples with her own harrowing dilemmas, their resolution critical to the plot's progression. "Once Were Warriors" is a poignant exploration of a family in crisis, caught in the relentless whirlwind of domestic violence, societal pressures, and personal demons. This riveting tale, set against the backdrop of a gritty cityscape, is an emotional odyssey that delves deep into the human spirit's resilience and the destructive force of unbridled aggression. It's a cinematic journey that promises to leave its audience profoundly moved and relentlessly gripped.

Once Were Warriors is a drama movie featuring Rena Owen and directed by Lee Tamahori.

Once Were Warriors is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Film Movement Plus and Hoopla.

It is also possible to buy Once Were Warriors on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube.