Once Were Warriors

Contrasting sharply with what is considered the usual historic and polite New Zealand film norm, Once Were Warriors is contemporary and controversial. The release of the novel upon which the film is based caused a stir in New Zealand because of its unflinching look at a violent Maori family. This debut film by Lee Tamahori has become a tremendous success in its native New Zealand, the second highest-grossing film focus to Jake's wife, Beth. Acclaimed Maori playwright Riwia Brown was brought in to adapt the screenplay from a woman's point of view. Through the narrative Beth re-evaluates her life as she questions her decision to stay with Jake, and reconnects with her heritage.

Tamahori believes the controversial and stylistically unique nature of the film marks a milestone in New Zealand film history: "People will sit up and talk about it on both sides of the fence. I know it will engender controversy."

About the Maoris: The Maoris are originally a polynesian group from the eastern Pacific who came to New Zealand before and during the 14th century. The first European to sight New Zealand was Dutch navigator Abel Janszoon Tasman, but the Mairis refused to allow James Cook explored the New Zealand coasts in the 1700s and British sovereignty was proclaimed in 1840. Thus began a period known as the Maori Wars which finally ended in 1970 with the British victory. Today, native Maoris number about 325,000, roughly 9% of New Zealand's population.

-excerpted from "Angelika Filmbill," Feb./March 1995