Never, ever have I seen anyone in such a constant and consistent rage as Jake Heke (Temuera Morrison) in this movie. The violence he dishes out is perhaps even more intimately visceral than that of Ed Norton's character, Derek Vinyard, in "American History X". At one point in the story, his daughter Grace (Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell) states - "People show their true feelings when they're drunk". If so, Jake's true feelings were not only inspired by his dependence on alcohol, but fueled by it to an astonishing degree. And like all true bullies and cowards, he blames his wife Beth (Rena Owen) for his daily outbursts. That she was a battered wife doesn't even come close to describing her condition as Jake's regular punching bag. Any one of Jake's fearsomely delivered fists would have been enough to end her life and early on, that's where I thought the story might be headed.

This is a film that will leave you drained with all of it's violence, and yet it never seems over the top or forced, but the reaction of a man out of control of his own life and that of his family. The scene in which Grace is violated by her own uncle compels the viewer to try and figure out how and when it will become more generally known, and it's with a certain sense of satisfaction that for once, Jake's fearsome energy is directed at one of his own mates. Which is not to say that it leaves the viewer satisfied that Jake may have finally seen the light. As Beth leaves for her former family's safe haven, any sense of remorse or guilt on Jake's part is undeniably lacking. As a person, he will never be fulfilled.

This will probably not be an easy watch for a lot of folks. There are more than a handful of cringe worthy scenes, usually with Beth on the receiving end. It is with the utmost relief that the film comes to a close with Beth's commitment to leave Jake forever, her remaining children more supportive than they've ever been. "We're going home" never sounded better than at the close of this tragic story.

This was the second New Zealander film I have seen and the anti-thesis of the other film I recently watched (Whale Rider). Both have a similar theme but Once Were Warriors is a much more adult and dark view of modern Maori society. Gone is the love for their heritage as seen in Whale Rider--in its place a direction-less existence filled with violence, crime and substance abuse.

Like some American Indians, the characters in this film are clearly alcoholics and extremely violent. It is a sobering thought that when a way of life is lost, so goes all sense of honor and purpose. A particular standout in the film is the actress that played the mother--she really showed a diverse range of emotions and made me truly believe she was a real character.

There is very little I didn't like or respect about the movie--it was marvelous. However, it is VERY IMPORTANT to point out that this is NOT a film for children!! Due to its sobering message, the film is jam packed with some of the most extreme domestic violence scenes I have ever found on film and there is a rape scene. All these are necessary for the plot, but were also quite unsettling. I admire the producer and director from not shying away from this, but it simply would not be appropriate to let a child see this film until they are about 16 or 17 at the very youngest.

In urban Auckland, New Zealand, the Heke family is struggling. Jake is unemployed and a violent drunk. He's often drinking with his gang of friends. Beth is a mother with problems of her own. The biggest is that Jake beats on her sometimes. The oldest son Nig joins a Māori gang. The second son Boogie is taken from the family and finds a mentor in foster care under Mr. Bennett. Grace is the sensitive 13 year old daughter who has a homeless friend Toot. The family dysfunctions culminates with Grace's rape by one of Jake's drinking buddies.

In more careless hands, this could be a simple Lifetime movie. The violent drunk dad story is not that compelling. This movie shows the mother Beth as more than a victim. It also shows that they truly love each other. The performances are amazing. Jake isn't an one-note character. By tying this to the community's culture, this movie has a sense of power beyond the family.