This is life for the Maori people of New Zealand.

We need a kind hand not a hard hand. We deserve a fair chance, quality of life, respect and dignity.

Once Were Warriors (1994)
102 min - Crime | Drama -

A family descended from Maori warriors is bedeviled by a violent father and the societal problems of being treated as outcasts.

Director: Lee Tamahori
Writers: Riwia Brown, Alan Duff (novel)
Stars: Rena Owen, Temuera Morrison, Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell | See full cast and crew »

Once Were Warriors (1994)
Awards
Showing all 21 wins and 4 nominations
Australian Film Institute 1995
Won
Best Foreign Film Award Robin Scholes

Chicago Film Critics Association Awards 1996
Nominated
CFCA Award Best Actress
Rena Owen
Most Promising Actor
Temuera Morrison
Most Promising Actress
Rena Owen

Fantasporto 1995
Won
Critics' Award - Special Mention Lee Tamahori
Won
International Fantasy Film Award Best Actress
Rena Owen
Nominated
International Fantasy Film Award Best Film
Lee Tamahori

Hawaii International Film Festival 1994
Won
Special Jury Award Lee Tamahori

Montréal World Film Festival 1994
Won
Best Actress Rena Owen
Tied with Helena Bergström in Sista dansen (1993).
Won
Grand Prix des Amériques Lee Tamahori
Won
People's Choice Award Lee Tamahori
Won
Prize of the Ecumenical Jury Lee Tamahori

New Zealand Film and TV Awards (I) 1994
Won
Film Award Best Film
Robin Scholes
Best Performance in a Dramatic Role: Male
Temuera Morrison
Best Performance in a Supporting Role: Female
Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell
Best Juvenile Performance
Taungaroa Emile
Best Film Score
Murray Grindlay
Murray McNabb
Best Director
Lee Tamahori
Best Screenplay
Riwia Brown
Best Editing
Michael Horton
Best Soundtrack
Kit Rollings
Ray Beentjes
Michael Hedges
Graham Morris

Rotterdam International Film Festival 1995
Won
Audience Award Lee Tamahori

San Diego International Film Festival 1994
Won
Festival Award Best Actress
Rena Owen

Santa Barbara International Film Festival 1995
Won
Bruce C. Corwin Award Lee Tamahori (director)

Venice Film Festival 1994
Won
Anicaflash Prize Lee Tamahori