Once Were Warriors
“Their People Once Were Warriors. But Once... Was a Long Time Ago”
Synopsis
In a violent relationship, it takes a mother’s strength to save herself and her children from the man she loved. Once Were Warriors is a violent love story set against a contemporary urban backdrop.
Part of the Once Were Warriors Collection
Stream the entire interconnected saga and experience every installment in chronological storyline order.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Official TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2016-07-07
Top Cast
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Rena Owen
Beth Heke
Temuera Morrison
Jake Heke
Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell
Grace Heke
Julian Arahanga
Nig Heke
Taungaroa Emile
Mark 'Boogie' Heke
Rachael Morris Jr.
Polly Heke
Joseph Kairau
Huata Heke
Cliff Curtis
Bully
Pete Smith
Dooley
George Henare
Bennett
Mere Boynton
Mavis
Shannon Williams
Toot
Calvin Tuteao
Taka
Ray Bishop
King Hitter
Ian Mune
Judge
Robert Pollock
Policeman
Donald V. Allen
Jake's Mate (as Donald Allen)
Release History & Theatrical Window
Fantasporto - Porto International Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
September 14, 1995
Wide Cinema Exhibition
January 16, 2001
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$950K
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$6.7M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
7.05x
+$5.8M net gain
Theatrical Status
Mega Hit
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Lee Tamahori
- Screenplay & Story
- Riwia Brown
- Original Score
- Murray McNabb, Murray Grindlay
- Original Title
- Once Were Warriors
- Country of Origin
- New Zealand
- Spoken Languages
- English, Maori
- Runtime
- 1h 39m
- Production Budget
- $950K
- Worldwide Gross
- $6.7M
- Production Studios
- Avalon Studios, New Zealand Film Commission, NZ on Air, Fish Entertainment
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Lee Tamahori
Riwia Brown, Alan Duff
Murray McNabb, Murray Grindlay
Stuart Dryburgh
Michael Horton
Robin Scholes
Department Leadership Roster
Lee Tamahori
Director
Riwia Brown
Screenplay
Michael Horton
Editor
Murray McNabb
Original Music Composer
Robin Scholes
Producer
Stuart Dryburgh
Director of Photography
Murray Grindlay
Original Music Composer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.
Interdit aux moins de 16 ans — 16+ only.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Once Were Warriors.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Once Were Warriors.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Once Were Warriors
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Once Were Warriors about?
In a violent relationship, it takes a mother’s strength to save herself and her children from the man she loved. Once Were Warriors is a violent love story set against a contemporary urban backdrop.
Who directed Once Were Warriors?
Once Were Warriors was directed by Lee Tamahori.
Who stars in Once Were Warriors?
The principal cast of Once Were Warriors includes Rena Owen, Temuera Morrison, Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell, Julian Arahanga, Taungaroa Emile.
When was Once Were Warriors released and how long is it?
Once Were Warriors was released in 1994 with a total runtime of 1h 39m.
What was the box office and production budget of Once Were Warriors?
Once Were Warriors had a reported production budget of $950K and grossed $6.7M at the worldwide box office (7.05 return on budget, classified as a blockbuster success).
Who composed the musical score for Once Were Warriors?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Once Were Warriors was composed by Murray McNabb, Murray Grindlay.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Once Were Warriors?
Once Were Warriors holds official age classifications: AU: MA 15+; DE: 16 (FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.); FR: 16 (Interdit aux moins de 16 ans — 16+ only.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).