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Spoiler alert: This article contains a lot of information about the film. Don’t want that? Skip to the paragraph about what I learned from this movie.
Beth was once a Puhi, destined for a sacred purpose. As the firstborn daughter of a chief, her role was to bring peace in times of war. She was meant to marry a man from a rival tribe to help end the conflict.
Now, Beth lives with her abusive husband, Jake, in a suburb of Auckland, New Zealand. They live in a rundown house by the highway with their five children.
Taniwha
In the opening scene, Grace, Jake and Beth’s eldest daughter, tells her younger brother and sister an ancient Māori story about a Taniwha, a powerful creature that lives in the water and protects the people. That protection is something the children—and Beth—desperately need as Jake throws yet another party in their home. These parties often end in violence, leaving the children in tears.
Beth is losing control of her older children, and Jake forces her to let them go. Their oldest son, Nig, becomes a gang member after a brutal initiation ceremony. After multiple offenses, their second son, Mark, is sent to an institution for young criminals. This deeply saddens both Grace and Beth. Jake, however, thinks it’s good for Mark because it will make him stronger.
Marae & Urupa
One day, Beth convinces Jake to visit Mark at the institution. On the way, they picnic near the village where Beth grew up. She shares memories of her duties in the Marae (community house) and the Urupa (cemetery). It becomes clear that Beth’s parents never approved of her marriage to Jake because he came from a family of former slaves. This was the reason Beth chose never to return to her village.
However, they never make it to the detention center because Jake stays at a bar on the way. Beth and Mark are devastated. Mark grows increasingly frustrated at the institution but his mentor teaches him about Māori culture and the Haka, which gives him a sense of empowerment.
Auntie
Grace sinks into a deep depression after being violated by Jake’s brother. She takes her own life by hanging herself from a tree near their home. Beth is inconsolable and asks her ‘auntie’ to come and take her, as she wants Grace to be buried following the Māori tradition in the village where Beth was born.
In Grace’s diary, Beth reads about what happened to her daughter. She confronts Jake in the bar, and he violently attacks his brother. In the end, Beth decides to return to her ancestral village with all her children. Her heritage gives her the strength to resist Jake, and she tells him, “Our people once were warriors.”
What I learned from this movie
I learned that the first move in a Haka must be strong, as Mark’s mentor explains in the detention center. It’s interesting that the mentor only coaches and doesn’t participate in the dance himself. I also discovered that some Māori who value their culture tend to look down on those who don’t and on descendants of “slaves.”
During the parties, there is always singing, both in Māori and in English. This softens the grim atmosphere of the violent gatherings somewhat.
When Grace is buried, there’s a brief but powerful scene featuring the Te Waka Haka. I didn’t know that this Haka was performed at funerals, but it makes sense, as it’s a Taparahi Haka meant to support the grieving.
->Reading tip: The Haka: Different Types and Meaning
This movie personally reminds me of the strength, wisdom, and love of my ancestors. I am their result, and they are always there for me, in both good and bad times. They give me the strength to keep going.
Why You Might Not Want to Watch This Movie
This might not be for you if you enjoy lighthearted films like me. I only laughed once during the movie, and that was during a prayer before dinner. Beth says, “Let’s say Grace,” and one of the kids shouts, “Grace!” The bitter irony is that Grace had just been buried.
If you’re sensitive to scenes of violence against women and children, this movie may also not be for you. Unfortunately, these scenes are frequent whenever Jake gets drunk.
Who Should Watch This Movie?
“Once Were Warriors” was released 30 years ago, but its themes remain relevant today. A portion of the Māori population in New Zealand continues to face societal disadvantages and lacks a clear path to a better future. It’s important to be aware of this. This film is recommended for anyone interested in learning more about the Māori, their culture, and their challenges in modern-day New Zealand.
The movie has a sequel, “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?”. I’m not sure if I want to watch it yet, as it tackles similar themes of poverty, alcoholism, drug use, and domestic violence.
Which movie or documentary about New Zealand and the Māori have you seen? Why should others watch it? Let me know in the comments below. Other readers and I are eager to hear from you!
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Source:
–Wikipedia
