Once Were Warriors (1995)

Why so much hype?

I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

Great movie. Not sure what people expected but I found it highly entertaining.

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

The film is boring. The acting is terrible. There is no real story. Sad.

One of the most powerful movies i have ever seen, and like what another user wrote on here its a movie that will stick with you long after you watch it, the story the acting the camera work are first class, if this movie was a Hollywood type big budget movie it would in my opinion win an Oscar or at least be nominated, it is that good and that's a pretty big statement to make but once you watch this movie you will somewhat agree with me, iv never watched a movie that has played with so many of my emotions and i'm a grown bloke that doesn't get emotional very often, and believe me i got choked a few times in this movie, like it says on the front cover its explosive but in a very good way, the acting is very believable and what a performance from temuera morrison, if you watch this movie you have to see the follow up movie of (WHAT BECOMES OF THE BROKEN HEARTED),these two movie's combined are definitely in my top ten movie dramas. "A MUST SEE MOVIE" 10/10

This movie was an epic experience. I have never experienced a movie with such insight to Maori culture in the 90's. Temeura Morrison's performance was spot on and who could forget Rena Owen. The storyline was superb and kept the audience engaged every second of the movie. One drawback is the outcome was rather predictable but still I was engaged. The insight to Maori culture was phenomenal however. Being a person of Poly decent I was drawn into the movie through cultural aspects and i enjoyed every minute of it. Nothing compares in my book. Great job to the director and it will be a classic in my eyes. All in all, great movie experience.

What an intense film! The violence that is contained in this project is not gratuitous, rather it is visceral and real to life. I noted that song, language, story and other aspects of culture are ways of combating ongoing colonization of the soul. The character arcs are truly remarkable, and I like the fact the even the villainous characters have some sympathetic traits to them. The sound track is amazing, a Maori-Reggae hybrid that truly rocks. The ending wraps things up in a hopeful message that overcomes tragedies. This film is so specific to the Maori plight post-colonization that it is a universally relevant film.Go and see for yourself!