Overview
In a violent relationship, it takes a mother’s strength to save herself and her children from the man she loved. Once Were Warriors is a violent love story set against a contemporary urban backdrop.
Trailer
Crew
DirectorLee Tamahori
WriterRiwia Brown
Cast
Rena Owen
Beth Heke
Temuera Morrison
Jake Heke
Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell
Grace Heke
Julian Arahanga
Nig Heke
Taungaroa Emile
Mark 'Boogie' Heke
Rachael Morris Jr.
Polly Heke
Joseph Kairau
Huata Heke
Cliff Curtis
Bully
Pete Smith
Dooley
George Henare
Bennett
Mere Boynton
Mavis
Shannon Williams
Toot
Calvin Tuteao
Taka
Ray Bishop
King Hitter
Ian Mune
Judge
Robert Pollock
Policeman
Donald V. Allen
Jake's Mate (as Donald Allen)
Part of Once Were Warriors Collection
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Keywords
individualsuiciderapestrong womantattooslumfuneralalcoholtraditionapproved school loss of loved onedespairindigenousghettoviolent husbandnew zealandmaorilack of prospectsmaori traditionteacher
Details
Budget
$1M
Revenue
$7M
TMDb Votes
486
Added May 14, 2026Updated Jun 3, 2026