Once Were Warriors

Eighteen years after Jake and Beth Heke married in the first flush of teenage love, it's easy to see why Beth found him irresistible. Jake is a muscular handsome man who exudes an explosive sexual energy. Even now, five kids later, he can...

New Zealand Production

Feature 1994 Drama 90.00 minutes

Film Main Image 1034

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.

1994 NZ Film Awards

Best Film

Best Director

Best Screenplay

Best Film Score

Best Soundtrack

Best Editing

Best Performance in a Dramatic Role (Male)

Best Performance in a Supporting Role (Female)

Best Juvenile Performance

1994 Durban Film Festival

Best Film

1994 Montreal Film Festival

Best Film

Best Actress

Most Popular Film

Ecumenical Jury Award

1994 Venice Film Festival - Anica-Flash

Best First Film Award

1994 Hawaii Film Festival

Special Jury Award

1998 Fantasporto Film Festival Portugal

Best Actress

1995 Rotterdam Film Festival

Best Film

Special Jury Award

1995 Santa Barbara Film Festival

Best Actress

1995 San Diego Film Festival

Best Actress

1995 Asia Pacific Film Festival

Best Supporting Actress

1995 Australian Film Institure Awards

Best Foreign Film

1995 Australian Critics Award - Best Foreign Film (jointly with Heavenly Creatures)

1995 SFFC, Antwerp Belgium

Social Film Prize

2002 Summer School Film Festival-Czech Rep

Directors

Lee Tamahori

Producers

Robin Scholes

Screenplay Writers

Riwia Brown

Cast

Rena Owen
Beth Heke

Temuera Morrison
Jake Heke

Sales Agent

Production Company

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