Once Were Warriors
NZ release: 14 May 1994
Graphic violence Rated on: 16 January 2025
What’s it about?
Once Were Warriors tells the story of a whānau descended from both slaves and chiefs who are troubled by a violent father and the societal challenges of being treated as outcasts.
The film may be confronting or disturbing for viewers with similar experiences.
The facts
- Directed by Lee Tamahori (The Edge, Die Another Day)
- Starring Rena Owen (Star Wars: Episode III), Temuera Morrison (Aquaman), Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell (The Strength of Water), Julian Arahanga (The Matrix), Taungaroa Emile (Whale Rider), Cliff Curtis (Training Day), and George Henare (The Dead Lands)
- Te Reo Māori, English, and Spanish languages
- Runtime: 98 minutes
- Won 10 awards at the NZ Film and TV Awards, as well as 12 wins & 7 nominations at international film festivals.
Why did it get this rating?
This film was classified by Te Mana Whakaatu, Classification Office. You can find out more about classification process and ratings here.
Violence
The film contains fighting scenes and domestic violence which may be upsetting for some viewers. Visible wounds and blood are shown.
The strongest moments of violence include:
- A man threatens to kill his wife several times. In one draw-out scene, he punches and beats her several times. He also knocks her back into the wall, drags her, and smashes her head into a mirror.
- During a bar fight, a man is stabbed with a freshly broken beer bottle.
- A young man is beaten up in a gang initiation till he is barely conscious and bruised.
Suicide
A teenage girl hangs herself. Although the death occurs off-screen, we see her family find her hanging from a tree and their grief.
Rape
A young girl is raped by her uncle in her own bed. He tells her it is her fault. During the rape we see her face as she cries, suffers, and is restrained. It is also later implied that a man rapes his wife.
Drug use and abuse
In the film, alcohol is a catalyst for the violence inflicted by the father on his family. Alcohol and cigarette use is frequent throughout the film.
A homeless boy sniffs glue.
Two young teenagers smoke marijuana together.
Drug use is not presented as positive but is presented as normal.
Offensive language
Offensive language is used both aggressively and casually. Language includes ‘f**k’, "bullsh*t,’ and “bastard.”
Helplines:
The self-harm or suicide themes could be upsetting for some viewers, especially for those who have gone through similar experiences. If you are struggling with what you have seen on-screen please reach out for help. If you or someone you know needs to talk:
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