Once Were Warriors, published in 1990, was New Zealand author Alan Duff 's bestselling first novel, and the basis for a 1994 film, directed by Lee Tamahori and starring Rena Owen and Temuera Morrison. It tells the story of an urban Maori family, the Hekes, and portrays the disturbing reality of domestic violence.

Production and awards

The film was produced by Communicado , its first feature film.

The film won best film at the New Zealand Film & Television Awards , Durban International Film Festival , Montreal Film Festival and Rotterdam Film Festival .

It also became at the time the highest grossing film in New Zealand, surpassing The Piano and Jurassic Park.

The film had a sequel, What Becomes of The Broken Hearted? , released in 1999. It was poorly received compared to the original.

External links

Internet Movie Database
Fine Line Cinemas
Review