Classic Friday : Once Were Warriors (1994) 8/10

Starring : Rena Owen, Temuera Morrison, Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell, Julian Arahanga, Taungaroa Emile, Cliff Curtis
Director : Lee Tamahori
Running Time : 99 mins

The Heke family have a lot of problems, many stemming from the father, Jake (Morrison), and his group of loutish friends who are a constant presence in the family home. It’s his wife Beth (Owen) who has to keep the family together, but as the eldest son gets involved with street gangs and the younger children are faced with their fathers violence against her, Beth realises that she may not be able to protect her children forever.

This is a very powerful depiction of the different ways in which domestic violence can impact upon and eventually destroy a family. The performances from the cast are strong throughout, and some of the action is cringe worthy to say the least. This is a good film, but definitely not for the faint hearted.

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