Premise - The story of a Maori family as they fall apart thanks to a violent father and the many problems beset on them by their social environment. Once Were Warriors is a very powerful film, it's unflinching realism in the way it depicts certain darker aspects of human nature is at times difficult to watch. It is however never anything short of compelling viewing. The film explores spousal abuse, alcoholism, rape, suicide, child abuse and drug abuse, but never feels exploitive. Through some wonderful writing, acting and direction you deeply feel for the characters and this makes the harrowing events even harder to watch. Rena Owen plays Beth Heke, the mother of the family. Her work here is exemplary and she shows amazing range as an actress to be able to switch so fleetingly from loving mother and strong person to a snivelling wretch fresh from another beating at the hands of her husband. Owen makes you care deeply for her character and her family through this fantastic powerhouse performance. With such a strong actress in the female lead a similarly imposing presence was needed for the role of Jake. Temuera 'Jango Fett' Morrison fits the bill brilliantly. He's a monster of a man who solves problems with his fists and his quick temper. In saying that though, Morrison is able to get the viewer to sympathise with Jake occasionally. He can be a good husband and father, but his temper and weakness for the demon drink ensure that our sympathy doesn't outstay it's welcome. The rest of the cast are also superb. Of special note is Manaengora Kerr-Bell as eldest daughter Grace, the glue that holds the family together. She is an innocent 13 year old girl that likes to write and read to her younger siblings. However her innocence is constantly tested by the problems occurring both in her family and in the environment around her. Director Lee Tamahori handles things in a subtle manner, preferring to let the script and acting do the work rather than flashy camera tricks. He brings a gloomy look to the film that complements the dark subject matter perfectly and shows off the depressing look of the New Zealand slums nicely. Tamahori does however show some style during the more violent scenes. The various bar brawls are filmed nicely and have a frenetic feel to them, much like actual bar fights the action is quick, fleeting and brutal. Also of note is one scene where Jake is beating Beth, we cut away to the children upstairs and merely hear what is happening downstairs. The effect of seeing the frightened children is a thousand times more powerful than if we had stayed downstairs with Jake and Beth. The movie also offers a glimpse of a world that audiences would normally never get to see. The film goes into detail about the history and beliefs of the Maori people and gives a nice insight into how these people have been treated by society. If I had to pick faults I would say that the plot threads concerning the two eldest sons are poorly developed and are not fleshed out too well. Perhaps a case of time constraints meaning footage hitting the cutting room floor, but I would have liked to see more of Boogie at the boy's home and in particular Nig and his gang friends. A small quibble however in what is otherwise an excellent film. Once Were Warriors is challenging, dark and brutal, but it somehow manages to leave the viewer on such a high that you feel that there is good in the world after all.

8/10 for Once Were Warriors. Poster Quote - Brutal.