Once Were Warriors (1994) poster7

New Zealand10 Essential Films from New ZealandStop 7 of 10

Once Were Warriors

1994

In urban New Zealand, a proud Māori woman struggles to hold her family together against poverty and her volatile, violent husband, finding the strength to protect her children. A raw, powerful drama.

Why it’s here

A defining New Zealand drama about Maori family life, urban poverty, violence, and survival.

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Part of 10 Essential Films from New Zealand

This film is stop 7 of 10 in the hand-ranked native-cinema route through New Zealand. See the complete ranking or read the selection methodology.

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