Film Movement Classics

Once Were Warriors

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This special limited edition debossed and satin finish slipcover (designed by Time Tomorrow) is limited to 2,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

Founded in 2002 as one of the first-ever subscription film services with its DVD-of-the-Month Film Club, Film Movement is now a North American distributor of award-winning independent and foreign films based in New York City. In 2015, Film Movement launched the reissue label Film Movement Classics featuring new restorations released theatrically as well as on home video, with an emphasis on films by auteur directors such as Eric Rohmer, Peter Greenaway and Takeshi Kitano.

Amidst the mean streets of Auckland, Beth Heke (Rena Owen) lives with her husband Jake (Temuera Morrison) and their three children in a tenement house for native Maori. Jake’s battle with alcoholism frequently results in terrifyingly violent outbursts, but Beth’s unwavering devotion prevents her from seeing how much his rage is destroying their family until it is nearly too late.

Winner of nine New Zealand Film Awards, this groundbreaking adaptation of Alan Duff’s hard-hitting novel set local box office records and launched the international career of director Lee Tamahori.

directed by: Lee Tamahori
starring: Rena Owen, Temuera Morrison, Cliff Curtis
1994 / 102 min / 1.85:1 / English DTS-HD MA 5.1, 2.0

Additional info:

Region A Blu-ray
Commentary with Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Josh Nelson
Video essay by Elizabeth Purchell
Behind-the-Scenes Featurette
Essay by New Zealand film critic Peter Calder
English subtitles

Overall rating: 4.7580647 / 5 from 62 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Once Were Warriors, directed by Lee Tamahori, is a critically acclaimed film praised for its exceptional transfer, captivating performances, and its status as a classic favorite among viewers. This limited edition slipcover, designed by Time Tomorrow, is exclusive to select retailers and the official website.

Summary topics

Video Quality: 16%
Film Quality: 37%
Acting Performances: 22%
Overall Movie Experience: 22%

Review topics: [looks, packaging, sound, film, movie, release, performances, drama, transfer, slipcover, restoration, watch, disc, director, acting, extras, making, points, characters, debut, violence, features, impact].

Review highlights

"Important film in World Cinema that gets a great release, transfer and contextual commentary ." — Kenneth C.
"Incredible performances, wonderful script, excellent soundtrack." — Sean G.
"Great transfer and performances in this film." — Stephen H.

Reviews

Uncle F*cking Bully!

"I love this film so much and for all these years I've had a fairly poor quality DVD which I bought 25 years ago. It has served me well, but it was clearly time to upgrade. According to the back of the Blu Ray box and in contradiction to the website, this is actually region free. I need to test that, but might be worth a look online if you're restricted to specific regions. There's a sequel to this film, but do yourself a favour and avoid it. You'll want to unsee it and to be honest, it took over a decade for me to forget just how bad it was. Nonetheless, this film is highly recommended."

— Sam N. (5/5)

My debut for New Zeland

"My debut for New Zeland cinema. Amazing performances for these disturbing characters. What's the time Mr Wolf?"

— Ralph E. (5/5)

Once were warriors +++

"I was a bit worried the slipcover version would sell out, but to my surprise I was able to snag a copy many months after its release. This is a great film with stellar performances from the cast. The release also have some nice extra features. I’m glad I could add this to my collection!"

— Oskari V. (5/5)

A great insight into Maori

"A great insight into Maori culture and traditions. Very thought provoking and a bit grim."

— David M. (5/5)

Warriors of Wasteland

"Once Were Warriors, directed by Lee Tamahori, is a powerful and unflinching drama that explores domestic violence, identity, and the struggles of a Māori family in urban New Zealand. The film follows Beth and Jake Heke, whose turbulent relationship exposes deep social and personal wounds, brought to life through intense performances—especially from Temuera Morrison and Rena Owen. Its raw emotional impact and honest portrayal of hardship have made it one of the most important and confronting films to come out of New Zealand cinema. The Blu-ray release from Film Movement as part of the Film Movement Classics line delivers a strong high-definition presentation that enhances the film’s gritty realism while preserving its original look. The transfer brings out improved detail and color balance without losing its natural texture, and the release typically includes thoughtful extras such as interviews or essays that provide cultural and historical context. It’s a respectful and well-curated edition that helps highlight the film’s lasting impact and significance."

— Jaume M. (5/5)

The transfer is excellent and

"The transfer is excellent and the movie is extremely powerful. I would have given 5 stars if the slip cover had some art work. Vinegar Syndrome has so many beautiful slip covers/packaging."

— Phillip G. (4/5)

Rightly called one of the best ever New Zealand films, great transfer, too

"This transfer had the depth and grading of a 4K UltraHD, it was just beautiful. Special features/extras aren’t plentiful but there’s a wonderful booklet with an essay, and the movie is amazing. It’s not a pleasant movie, but it’s an excellent movie, it deserves all the praise it’s received. Superb acting and writing, an immense release that I’m so happy to have in my collections."

— Donald M. (5/5)

strong presentation for a longtime favorite

"I'm glad this film has found its way under the OCN umbrella. It's a true classic that I think is probably underrated. Love this film & the disc looks/sounds great."

— Isaac W. (5/5)

One Of My All-Time Favorites With A Flawless Restoration!

"I loved the slipcover to this movie, which is one of my absolute favorites of all-time! The director did a great job capturing all of the raw emotion, violence, and many other emotions throughout this one! This film looks amazing due to the peerless VS restoration process was on full display with stellar sound and picture! Thank you, VS, for continuing to lovingly restore and release so many wonderful films from every conceivable genre! You are keeping physical media alive in this streaming world we now live in! Highly recommended!"

— Paul K. (5/5)

For anyone who hasn’t seen

"For anyone who hasn’t seen this fantastic life drama, you need to change that asap. Nice release from Film Movement and great to see this underrated gripping drama get the love it deserves!!!"

— PAUL A. (5/5)