There may be truth here but it was a violent truth and we couldn’t watch more than 20 minutes. Otherwise nice people behave very badly under the influence of alcohol, in particular. There may be redemption later but I couldn’t take the journey.

I saw this movie when I was too young to really understand what was going on, so seeing it as an adult was a whole new experience for me. I think that this movie is underrated, and I'm wondering why there aren't more movies and t.v. shows that represent more indigenous cultures... not just negative things like alcohol, drug abuse, and domestic violence.

This is in my top 20 of all time favorite films. Living in the US one might think it might not be relatable. However, I think the theme of poverty, machismo, and violence are just as prevalent in America. This shows how this type of environment impacts a family especially children. Great story, fabulous acting, a real gem.

I just love this movie. The story is compelling, the acting excellent, and the glimpse into the lives of Maoris' city life is fascinating. The mixture of love, tragedy, violence and hope, especially the acting of Rena Owens, make this one of my favorite movies.

This is a very deep movie and it leaves me pretty damn depressed after watching it. Saw this movie as a child and it stayed with me so being able to own it now on BD is awesome. I love these actors and it was a great film with a powerful message. I highly recommend it.

Once were warriors could simply be described as one of the most powerful movies i have ever seen. The acting is amazing all around and the fact that the movie doesn't flinch at the violence adds so much more. Make no mistake it will sicken you to your stomach but then again it should. But the relevance of its subject matter in this society cannot be understated. It is a story of a once proud people the moari of new zealand dealing with the effects of alchaholism and colonization in particular its effects on the family in the movie. And in the same breath the ability to find the strength to overcome tragedy through the power of your ancestors and your culture. The movie is heartbreaking and left me emotionally stunned when it was all over.

This is a very heavy movie with a lot of violence. But it is also very educational. One important thing I learned is they have Hillbillies in New Zealand. Yeah I saw myself and my relatives in this movie.
I highly recommend this movie, but it you have ever suffered domestic violence or been raped then you may want to take a pass.

Rented this movie. Wow, not what I was excepecting. Great film with real issues and should watched by high school aged children to view different cultural of life.