Rena's scream when she holds her daughters body in her arms after they chop her down was one of the rawest things I've ever seen on screen, extremely powerful movie.
Whats sad is the year this was made she didnt even win best actress award at NZ film awards, it was given to some lady from overseas. The mass protest followed shortly after as everyone walked out in protest.
I saw Temuera at Parramatta Westfield back in the 90"s, I scrounged around for a piece of paper in my school bag to get his autograph and he wrote well wishes to me and signed it. I still got it
Watched this the very first time it aired. I was 8. My dad woke me up to see it. Some people might think that's wrong. But my dad never sugarcoated the real world from us and I am so grateful for that.
It is a true testament to the acting prowess of both Rena and Temuera to be able to transform themselves into such deep characters with complex personalities. For such an eloquent man as temuera to transform into a very violent but also misunderstood individual is incredible!. This movie is shown here in Australia to Australian teenagers in both drama lessons in schools and also history and English, to exhibit how a range of issues such as loss of, or disconnection from cultural identity, low socio economic barriers, substance abuse, family breakdown, sexual assault, suicide ect can affect not only the family unit but an entire community!. Still such a poignant film that hits hard at the hearts of those watching.
This is one of my favourite films of all time because of the way it was done as Temuera Morrison and Rena Owen said. Violence in Hollywood films is almost comical whereas in this it IS raw and graphic to emphasise that violence in any form is unacceptable. Well done to everyone involved in the making of this film.
Fantastic film. The two leads delivered such a powerful performance. You only need to see this movie once and it will stay with you forever. Masterpiece!!
All too often you have a film that really showcases a single actor's talent, but Once Were Warriors was seemingly blessed. If either Jake or Beth's casting was weak, it wouldn't have had half the impact. Fortunately, Rena and Temuera were both riveting to watch. They really do carve out the heart and soul of the film. You end up applauding Beth's courage just as a part of you keeps hoping that Jake will master his own violence and be the loving husband that perhaps he could have been, while at the same time hating him for the man he is. Years later, I'm still blown away by this film.
@@TheEroticGenie Many people walked out during the rape scene and may women were balling their eyes out in the cinema, it was tough watching it and maybe only a 1/4 of the cinema remained for the rest of it. The general murmur of talk outside pretty much the same and that was how life like it was, there was no need for any "suspension of disbelief" because everyone who remained was part of it. Superb cinema.
I saw this as a 17-year old boy who grew up in a dysfunctional alcoholic household. It guided and placed my masculine energies in the right direction, in an odd way.
what's so crazy is my father was a jake to the fullest. it was like watching my dad in this movie. my mom was pretty damn the same too. it's crazy how they can make it feel like your own life
bigdaddy M same here brother... you’re not alone... I can remember crying in my room many nights.. with my sister.. many nights.. till I grew up and could stop him...
Ive never seen interviews about this movie till just now. Its weird to see Jake the muss be the exact opposite as he is in the movie but a nice reminder that it is just a movie and the actors are just sweethearts that are very awesome at acting. Very powerful movie.
Rena Owen was an inspiration for me when I first seen this movie. I have had many partners who can be so sweet and so violent. Her strength to stand against him after being beat down had me up out of my chair screaming "YOU GO GIRL" !!! She gave me strength when I had nothing left inside to fight back. Thank you for a powerful brilliant movie
There's a club at my school called Community in Conversation where we watch movies that address problems with society, and the teacher/leader of the group asked if I had any recommendations, and you better fucking believe this was the movie that came out of my mouth. Glorious piece of cinema that really deserves more recognition. Also, bravo to Temuera's performance. He's one of my favorite people in the world and I was scared shitless of him by the end of this film 😂
Papua New Guinean here. I watched this movie at my Literature class during my Year 11 in the late 1990s. It is indeed a powerful and very dramatic piece of art. The movie goes to address a lot of social issues that is universal such as voilence in general, violence against women, clash of culture, etc,. Still fresh.
just to let you guys know Temuera said he was shit scared of acting with Rena because she is such a serious and convicted actress and it took a very long time to get that scary for the part. After the movie he went back to his usual soap acting career and couldnt stop slipping swear words into his lines lol.
Just watched the movie again after 30 years since its release, now watching this interview, it’s beautiful, poetic and majestic in its creation, and simply touching with the two lead actors insights. I just love how movies can entertain, educate and allow us to relate and enrich our own lives. Just an amazing feeling.
Emotional and powerful message in this movie. Spectacular performances from the cast. One of my all time favorite films. Our people once were warriors. People with mana, pride people with spirit.....
It was Europeans who brought over alcohol pork and everything else that was bad like religion, this movie just shows how brown skin Polynesians adapted to White European culture, look at New Zealand now the people of New Zealand lost their culture sad
I watched this when it first came out and told my best mate to go see it as he was the living twin of “Jake the Muss”. He walked out half way though the movie. His wife told me it was way too close to home for him too watch. Sadly he died of a Overdose a few years later .
The fights for my family was real! I remember seeing this secretly with my mom. And it hit true to home. I will never forget this movie and everything it stands for.
I love this movie. But I feel that a lot of people don't appreciate the full depth of what is portrayed here. Jake is not a monster piece of shit and Beth a helpless victim; it is not that simple. Temuera said it was a challenge to convey why Beth would stay with him. It's plainly obvious why the Beth's of the world stay with the Jake's of the world; He's the fucking man. Yep, he's a man with slave complex and has intense inner shame, but he fights that shame with unparalleled intensity, and that's a lot hotter than a slave who has no fight in him.
Watching it was traumatic for me , growing up in those neighborhoods was rugged but not everyone failed the way Beth & Jake did . The younger ones represented that potential success despite their surroundings. And I agree about Jake , hes got issues but he tries & he never joined a gang
It's amazing to see the people who play such characters talking about the role they had, both these people played their characters so well and seeing them out of character is kind of strange, especially jake the muss, a strong violent person but the actor seems such a nice and gentle man.
Such great actors brought this important story to life. It’s one of my favorite movies. I love the characters and I love the actors who did such an awesome job bringing them to the silver screen.
You love this movie because it was your people who brought over everything bad to these people, white Europeans changed everywhere they went, you guys destroyed the people as well as animals and the land and the sea, now that's sad
Such great characters, and a particularly brilliant performance from Temuera Morrison, I feel. I can't imagine anyone else being able to depict a character of such strength, and such weakness.
We have had to watch this movie in two of my classes for Indigenous Social Work and Native American Chemical Dependency Counseling with an AA in Lakota Studies, I attend Oglala Lakota College HeSapa in Rapid City South Dakota, home of the Lakota, Paha Sapa, Black Hills South Dakota. Pilamiya for this movie/book.
It iz a sledgehammer of a movie, painful and powerful . It caused a lot of blokes to realise they needed help ,that the way they behaved was wrong and the damage that it caused.
I think part of me trying to be a good person comes from watching this movie when I was 15 years old. It really made me see real violence for what it is. Its impact has never left me. I love this movie, but I'm not sure I can watch it again. You only need to hear the truth once. Once is enough.
Once were warriors is such a powerful movie, these actors and actresses truly deserved awards for they're portrayals in this film, Especially Rena and Temeura.
My dad is tongan and my mother is a small Filipino lady back in the 80's this film relates to what shes been through at 100% the exact same thing down to the low income living, the drunken parties, and the beatings now my dad is super old I remind him everytime what he had put us through he just stares at the ground im twice my dad's size now weight training and boxing so he has nooooo clue what my thoughts are. Sometimes I just want to grab him by his throat and lift him off the ground till blood circulation starts to fade going to his heart but I'm getting old myself and don't want my kids seeing violence so I don't press the issue but I do remind him Constantly.
One of the most raw movies I ever saw. Still with me and the hope at the end of traditional Maori education as solution is wonderful. I think we all need roots and ways to connect to them. How the Haka currently is becoming also used by the White NZ's I think is a sign of hope and true integration both ways, which is empowering.
At 5:19 it’s hard to believe that scene was acted. It looked so bloody real when they flinched away from him. I wonder if there were bits in the movie which the actors on the receiving end weren’t told about so their reactions would look genuine.
Very powerful movie, and both of these actors really are brilliant and captured the complexity and range of their characters so beautifully. I agree with others that they both deserved awards for their performances, as well as the writer(s) and director(s) of this movie.
Which of these two had a role in Star Wars? Both of them, actually. Rena Owen voiced Taun We, the alien cloner. And of course, Temuera Morrison played Jango and Boba Fett.
Rena's scream when she holds her daughters body in her arms after they chop her down was one of the rawest things I've ever seen on screen, extremely powerful movie.
If this was released today, Rena would've won 10 oscars
eurologic Why? Because all of a sudden there are 10 best actress categories? Just joking.
It would have got more media exposure..more popular.. agree she was robbed to not even get a nomination
Nah it would’ve got banned due to offensive everything lol
Whats sad is the year this was made she didnt even win best actress award at NZ film awards, it was given to some lady from overseas. The mass protest followed shortly after as everyone walked out in protest.
how ten
This movie is really a masterpiece and never gets old.
TSpancer80 Rena is so classy !! stunning
AGREED!! "Once Were Warriors" is a CLASSIC!!
Alday my maori
One of the best ever. It's such a cult classic. Everyone must see this.
As a native American this film HIT ME..BIG TIME.
Me too, I'm Cheyenne.
Love this brother it hit me hard as a Native Celtic Warrior
Me too as a native English man
Ah yes. Hit.
There is no such thing as "NATIVE" when it comes to human beings
This film gave my daughter the courage to stand up to her rapist/abuser and I’ll never forget this 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
This movie saved my family
good for her!
Well done for your daughter.
Uncle f bullyyyy
So sorry your daughter had to go through that. Wishing her and your family peace and strength ❤
I saw Temuera at Parramatta Westfield back in the 90"s, I scrounged around for a piece of paper in my school bag to get his autograph and he wrote well wishes to me and signed it. I still got it
That is a mad story, Brother! 👍
You were blessed.
Around the world, this is one of the greatest movies to ever come out,
Definitely a thousand times better than the Hollywood crap we see today
Watched this the very first time it aired. I was 8. My dad woke me up to see it. Some people might think that's wrong. But my dad never sugarcoated the real world from us and I am so grateful for that.
As long as your father never hurt you intentionally and helps you grow up. I think your dad did a fine job.
This woman's acting was absolutely top class
It is a true testament to the acting prowess of both Rena and Temuera to be able to transform themselves into such deep characters with complex personalities. For such an eloquent man as temuera to transform into a very violent but also misunderstood individual is incredible!. This movie is shown here in Australia to Australian teenagers in both drama lessons in schools and also history and English, to exhibit how a range of issues such as loss of, or disconnection from cultural identity, low socio economic barriers, substance abuse, family breakdown, sexual assault, suicide ect can affect not only the family unit but an entire community!. Still such a poignant film that hits hard at the hearts of those watching.
This is one of my favourite films of all time because of the way it was done as Temuera Morrison and Rena Owen said. Violence in Hollywood films is almost comical whereas in this it IS raw and graphic to emphasise that violence in any form is unacceptable. Well done to everyone involved in the making of this film.
How they overlooked for Oscar’s is crazy. They both slayed their roles
I know right
this movie surpasses the oscars. it doesn't need it to recognize its legend.
One of the most raw painful powerfull films ever made....
So raw i couldn't watch it twice, too close to home
This film is so powerful its a shame more people don't see it.
So incredible to see Temuera and Rena outside of those roles... that's the power of acting
Fantastic film. The two leads delivered such a powerful performance.
You only need to see this movie once and it will stay with you forever.
Masterpiece!!
All too often you have a film that really showcases a single actor's talent, but Once Were Warriors was seemingly blessed.
If either Jake or Beth's casting was weak, it wouldn't have had half the impact. Fortunately, Rena and Temuera were both riveting to watch. They really do carve out the heart and soul of the film.
You end up applauding Beth's courage just as a part of you keeps hoping that Jake will master his own violence and be the loving husband that perhaps he could have been, while at the same time hating him for the man he is.
Years later, I'm still blown away by this film.
Possibly the most dramatic movie ever made. I remember seeing it over 2o years ago and effects on the audience. Fantastic acting
+Bush Camping Tools 4:12 Temura's got it. 5:35, so fucking true.
I wished I watched it when it came out. What were the reactions of the people in the audience? I'm very curious.
@@TheEroticGenie Many people walked out during the rape scene and may women were balling their eyes out in the cinema, it was tough watching it and maybe only a 1/4 of the cinema remained for the rest of it. The general murmur of talk outside pretty much the same and that was how life like it was, there was no need for any "suspension of disbelief" because everyone who remained was part of it. Superb cinema.
Rena is so beautiful and so talented. I respect and love her.
I saw this as a 17-year old boy who grew up in a dysfunctional alcoholic household. It guided and placed my masculine energies in the right direction, in an odd way.
Where did it guide your masculine urges towards?
@andrewd4413 that's open to interpretation
Watched this movie again and wow such an emotional movie. A master piece.
Just see this movie few months ago and was hooked on it instantly,, emotional and very powerful
what's so crazy is my father was a jake to the fullest. it was like watching my dad in this movie. my mom was pretty damn the same too. it's crazy how they can make it feel like your own life
bigdaddy cheee Same.
bigdaddy M same here brother... you’re not alone... I can remember crying in my room many nights.. with my sister.. many nights.. till I grew up and could stop him...
bigdaddy M
Sorry to hear that. I'm assuming you know how disfunctional it is, so I'm glad you've survived. Peace✌🏽️
Same here :(
Sorry to hear your stories .. hope life has made amends for it.
Ive never seen interviews about this movie till just now. Its weird to see Jake the muss be the exact opposite as he is in the movie but a nice reminder that it is just a movie and the actors are just sweethearts that are very awesome at acting. Very powerful movie.
Only film I ever cried in. Super powerful. Kicked me right in the guts.
As a Celtic warrior who lived on NZ this is on my top 5 of all time
Rena Owen was an inspiration for me when I first seen this movie. I have had many partners who can be so sweet and so violent. Her strength to stand against him after being beat down had me up out of my chair screaming "YOU GO GIRL" !!!
She gave me strength when I had nothing left inside to fight back. Thank you for a powerful brilliant movie
Perhaps stop having so many "partners" and you won't have to scream "YOU GO GIRL."
John Coontas 😂
There's a club at my school called Community in Conversation where we watch movies that address problems with society, and the teacher/leader of the group asked if I had any recommendations, and you better fucking believe this was the movie that came out of my mouth. Glorious piece of cinema that really deserves more recognition.
Also, bravo to Temuera's performance. He's one of my favorite people in the world and I was scared shitless of him by the end of this film 😂
Amazing film that only gets better and better as the years pass. Rena Owen was magnificent. The performance of a lifetime.
Papua New Guinean here.
I watched this movie at my Literature class during my Year 11 in the late 1990s.
It is indeed a powerful and very dramatic piece of art. The movie goes to address a lot of social issues that is universal such as voilence in general, violence against women, clash of culture, etc,. Still fresh.
just to let you guys know Temuera said he was shit scared of acting with Rena because she is such a serious and convicted actress and it took a very long time to get that scary for the part. After the movie he went back to his usual soap acting career and couldnt stop slipping swear words into his lines lol.
Just watched the movie again after 30 years since its release, now watching this interview, it’s beautiful, poetic and majestic in its creation, and simply touching with the two lead actors insights. I just love how movies can entertain, educate and allow us to relate and enrich our own lives. Just an amazing feeling.
Such a great underappreciated movie. The actors were great and so believable in their roles.
When a book or movie stirs emotions that means everyone involved has done their job well. For me its a rare perfect movie.
Emotional and powerful message in this movie. Spectacular performances from the cast. One of my all time favorite films.
Our people once were warriors. People with mana, pride people with spirit.....
a sad film but such a great story!!! but oh so true.
It was Europeans who brought over alcohol pork and everything else that was bad like religion, this movie just shows how brown skin Polynesians adapted to White European culture, look at New Zealand now the people of New Zealand lost their culture sad
30yrs ago already 😎
True art never gets old ✊
One of the most underrated and overlooked films of the last 60 years. One of the most true and honest films ever made.
I watched this when it first came out and told my best mate to go see it as he was the living twin of “Jake the Muss”. He walked out half way though the movie. His wife told me it was way too close to home for him too watch. Sadly he died of a Overdose a few years later .
"once were warriors",is the movie to see,i saw it at lease 100 times,i just don't get tired of it.
Jake was basically my father. Spontaneously ultra violent. I found this movie pretty challenging to watch.
I saw this film when it first aired in the uk in the 1990s , I have it on DVD and I’ve watched it over and over since , an absolute masterpiece
Rewatches it today. Breathe taking but real shit.
Superb Acting by both! Well done.
.
Seen it many times & again tonight. Superbly acted.
I'm watching this masterpiece at the moment
This guy is one hell of an actor.
Such a humble and peaceful man
The fights for my family was real! I remember seeing this secretly with my mom. And it hit true to home. I will never forget this movie and everything it stands for.
Reno Owen looks really pretty in this interview. Played a great role in the movie too.
Rena
Here at the end of 2021 after recently revisiting this masterpiece again!
One of my favorite movies (and I'm an Aussie!)
I remember having this movie on a VHS.
Great movie and a powerful story. A story that unfortunately rings true for so many people, a story that many have experienced in reality.
Both beautiful souls
I love this movie. But I feel that a lot of people don't appreciate the full depth of what is portrayed here. Jake is not a monster piece of shit and Beth a helpless victim; it is not that simple. Temuera said it was a challenge to convey why Beth would stay with him. It's plainly obvious why the Beth's of the world stay with the Jake's of the world; He's the fucking man. Yep, he's a man with slave complex and has intense inner shame, but he fights that shame with unparalleled intensity, and that's a lot hotter than a slave who has no fight in him.
Lol you're done in the head
Watching it was traumatic for me , growing up in those neighborhoods was rugged but not everyone failed the way Beth & Jake did . The younger ones represented that potential success despite their surroundings. And I agree about Jake , hes got issues but he tries & he never joined a gang
Temeura Morrison thumps my heart.
It's amazing to see the people who play such characters talking about the role they had, both these people played their characters so well and seeing them out of character is kind of strange, especially jake the muss, a strong violent person but the actor seems such a nice and gentle man.
Beth was the role of a lifetime & Rena Owen delivered the performance of a lifetime! I cannot praise this film enough 👏🏾🎬💯
Outstanding performances by everyone in once were warriors sign of great actors and actresses they make it believeable
I absolutely love this film I was brought up with it and it will always be my favourite film of all time.
Such great actors brought this important story to life. It’s one of my favorite movies. I love the characters and I love the actors who did such an awesome job bringing them to the silver screen.
Wow his voice is gorgeous {and gorgeous looking man , mhhh especially in this interview}
❤ this made me cry everytime I watched it heaps
Love this movie! Always one of the top 5!
How refreshing to hear such eloquence as they describe the depths and dimensions of their respective roles.
true
You love this movie because it was your people who brought over everything bad to these people, white Europeans changed everywhere they went, you guys destroyed the people as well as animals and the land and the sea, now that's sad
Temuera is so handsome broo his voice tho
Such great characters, and a particularly brilliant performance from Temuera Morrison, I feel. I can't imagine anyone else being able to depict a character of such strength, and such weakness.
Wow, just wow
Rena Owen was the most Gorgeous Maori Woman in the whole wide world bloody beautiful
Best NZ film of all time with the sequel. No character in the history of films is their anyone as staunch as Jake the muss 💪
What an incredible actor/actress, oscar award winning in my opinion.
Once Were Warriors and Whale Rider are my most favourite movies.
The acting is amazing and the story telling in these movies is just beautiful!
We have had to watch this movie in two of my classes for Indigenous Social Work and Native American Chemical Dependency Counseling with an AA in Lakota Studies, I attend Oglala Lakota College HeSapa in Rapid City South Dakota, home of the Lakota, Paha Sapa, Black Hills South Dakota. Pilamiya for this movie/book.
wait whut? why would you watch this for native american chemical dependency counseling? i have no idea what you said from then on after.
Lord Dranek its a new zealand movie
i know im from NZ
ok
I’m from rapid city as well
Don't forget Once were warriors 2
"What becomes of the broken hearted" ... some classic lines in there too😂
I absolutely love this movie.
It iz a sledgehammer of a movie, painful and powerful . It caused a lot of blokes to realise they needed help ,that the way they behaved was wrong and the damage that it caused.
One can tell these two are talented and intelligent actors who really played their rolls in a way that people can really relate to.
I only watched this movie for the first time in December last year. Of course I'd heard about it long ago. Talk about a heartbreaking movie.
I think part of me trying to be a good person comes from watching this movie when I was 15 years old. It really made me see real violence for what it is. Its impact has never left me. I love this movie, but I'm not sure I can watch it again. You only need to hear the truth once. Once is enough.
Once were warriors is such a powerful movie, these actors and actresses truly deserved awards for they're portrayals in this film, Especially Rena and Temeura.
Saw Rena's play here in Auckland about her experiences in real life in the UK starring Natasha Keating. Truly amazing. Great work Rena.
My dad is tongan and my mother is a small Filipino lady back in the 80's this film relates to what shes been through at 100% the exact same thing down to the low income living, the drunken parties, and the beatings now my dad is super old I remind him everytime what he had put us through he just stares at the ground im twice my dad's size now weight training and boxing so he has nooooo clue what my thoughts are. Sometimes I just want to grab him by his throat and lift him off the ground till blood circulation starts to fade going to his heart but I'm getting old myself and don't want my kids seeing violence so I don't press the issue but I do remind him Constantly.
Damn you're not alone. Yes me too. You have to let go and move on..cheer
@@kelhori1494 yes its best to let go of the past cheers bro.
when of the best movies i have ever watched so much meaning
while watching this film you become a Warior
This is a legendary movie
One of the best movies I have ever seen. She is Georgeous I love her.
OWW is on the top ten films of all time, as well. One of my all time favourite films!
A very powerful movie, not just an NZ classic but [as the actors say in this presentation] one that rings true throughout the world.....great movie
Saw this movie when i was 14 love it. what a great bunch of actors
One of the most raw movies I ever saw. Still with me and the hope at the end of traditional Maori education as solution is wonderful. I think we all need roots and ways to connect to them. How the Haka currently is becoming also used by the White NZ's I think is a sign of hope and true integration both ways, which is empowering.
At 5:19 it’s hard to believe that scene was acted. It looked so bloody real when they flinched away from him. I wonder if there were bits in the movie which the actors on the receiving end weren’t told about so their reactions would look genuine.
Beth was beautiful and so areu miss! fantastic actress bravo! class lady x
Amazing movie and it’s so awesome to see the actors as themselves because it is such great acting it’s believable
Very powerful movie, and both of these actors really are brilliant and captured the complexity and range of their characters so beautifully. I agree with others that they both deserved awards for their performances, as well as the writer(s) and director(s) of this movie.
temuera morrison and rena owen for king and queen of everything
Which of these two had a role in Star Wars?
Both of them, actually. Rena Owen voiced Taun We, the alien cloner. And of course, Temuera Morrison played Jango and Boba Fett.
Interesting fact
I agree that Rena Owen's and T. Morrison's play is sensational, I just add that Cliff Curtis's, too, isn't slighter at all.
I love this film. Fantastic acting.
The actors were tremendous! Great film.
Film is criminally under-appreciated by pop culture media.
She's so beautiful oml i love her face! 😍
I remember watching this years ago but was good to rewatch with collegues & gain further insights.
One of the best movies i have ever seen