"Once Were Warriors" is a 1994 film directed by Lee Tamahori, based on the novel by Alan Duff. The story follows the struggles of the Hone family, a Māori family living in urban New Zealand. It explores themes of poverty, domestic violence, and cultural identity as the family grapples with their past and present challenges. The film features strong performances, particularly by Rena Owen as Beth and Temuera Morrison as Jake. It received critical acclaim for its raw portrayal of life in a marginalized community and has become a significant work in New Zealand cinema, highlighting the complexities of Māori culture and social issues.