Laserdisc Title: "ONCE WERE WARRIORS"
Edition: The Criterion Collection (Single Disc)
Directed By: Lee Tamahori
Starring: Rena Owen, Temuera Morrison, Mamaegaroa Kerr-Bell, Julian Arahanga, Taugaroa Emile, Rachael Morris Jnr, Joseph Kairau
Special Features: Scene-specific commentary by director Lee Tamahori * Theatrical trailers * Presented in aspect ratio of 1.85:1
Production / Year: 1994 Fine Line Features
Running Time: 102 Minutes / Color
Audio Format: Digital Sound, Dolby Surround, Stereo Surround
Video Format: Videoscope (1.85:1), NTSC, CLV (Extended Play)
Miscellaneous Features: Rated R
Manufactured / Distributed By: 1995 The Voyager Company
Catalog / Spine Number: CC1434L (Spine Number 282)

IMPORTANT: This is a 12-inch Diameter Laserdisc, which is NOT the same as DVD and cannot be played on a DVD player!

Cosmetic Condition:
Disc (s): Excellent - Hardly noticeable to very minor hairline surface swirls, if any
Jacket: Very Good - Normal shelf wear, creases, light scuffs, bent & creased bottom RHS corner, slightly worn-out corners or edges but no signs of spines splitting

Synopsis:

Powerful drama set in New Zealand, about a family of poor Marois. The mother tries to raise four children while dealing with an alcoholic, abusive husband. In a film so hard-hitting that the viewer actually feels battered by the time it reaches its conclusion, a Maori family with five children must deal with urban violence, poverty, drugs, alcoholism, unemployment, gang warfare, rape, physical and mental abuse, suicide, and a host of other horrific family problems, all shown graphically. Beth and Jake Heke and their five children, along with numerous other Maori families, live in an urban ghetto of government-supported housing, isolated from the rest of society and isolated, too, from their old rural culture, which once gave pride and a sense of identity to Maori families. Here in the city the prevailing "culture" centers around bars, rather than the ancient meeting houses.

The story is somewhat familiar, but we get to know and care about these characters--we even see the husband sympathetically at times! There are many scenes of extremely graphic violence and a sequence at the end that will have anybody crying. So, it is hard to watch but it's just so great and empowering (in a strange sort of way).

Temuera Morrison is just so-so as the husband but Rena Owen (as the mother) and Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell (as daughter Grace) are just superb. They don't seem to be acting--they ARE the characters.

A must see...but remember, it's VERY VERY violent and bloody at times. The accents, ethnic traditions, martial arts, and particularly the facial tattooing of the Toa will appear "exotic" to the American audience. But the alcoholism, unemployment, domestic violence, teen delinquency, and child abuse are themes common anywhere. These subjects are presented with compassion. You'll come to genuinely care for all the characters. Even for Jake who, despite his brutality, is a tragic human being. I highly recommend "Once Were Warriors". The soundtrack alone will blow you away. The performances by all the actors are extraordinary and the ending will leave you breathless. Don't miss this one!

THIS IS NOT A DVD!!! THIS IS A 12" LASERDISC AND WILL NOT PLAY IN A DVD PLAYER

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