# Once Were Warriors (1994)

> A devastating Auckland family drama exposes how alcoholism, domestic violence, and cultural dislocation reverberate across generations.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/movie/414

## Facts

- Runtime: 99 min
- Genres: Drama
- Director: Lee Tamahori
- Cast: Rena Owen, Temuera Morrison, Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell, Julian Arahanga, Taungaroa Emile, Rachael Morris Jr., Joseph Kairau, Cliff Curtis
- TMDB rating: 7.4/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110729/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: measured
- Intensity: extreme
- Complexity: layered
- Violence: graphic
- Mood: harrowing, raw, devastating, serious film discussion, social issue cinema viewing

## Synopsis

A raw and powerful exploration of family dynamics in the face of violence and despair.

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- [Pike River (2025)](https://ember.film/movie/7312902)

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