- Genre
- Documentary
- Year
- 2014
- Runtime
- 0h52
0
Once Were Warriors: Where Are They Now?
The past speaks: revisiting a legacy of strength and struggle.
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Synopsis
Once Were Warriors: Where Are They Now? is a 2014 documentary that revisits the real-life stories behind the powerful 1994 drama Once Were Warriors. Directed by Mika X, the film features actor Julian Arahanga among others as it explores the ongoing impact of the original film on New Zealand's indigenous Maori community. This follow-up documentary offers an intimate look at the lives of the original cast and crew, reflecting on how the groundbreaking movie influenced their personal journeys and the wider discourse around family violence, cultural identity, and resilience within Maori families. It sheds light on the challenges and triumphs experienced over the years since the original story unfolded on screen.
Cast
Reviews
Once Were Warriors: Where Are They Now? has received a mix of positive and critical responses, highlighting its emotional depth while also noting its limited release and narrower audience appeal. Rotten Tomatoes does not have an aggregated score due to the documentary's limited exposure, but individual critics have praised its honest and heartfelt approach. For instance, a review from The New Zealand Herald commended the film for providing "a thoughtful and compassionate look at how far the characters and actors have come," emphasizing the cultural significance preserved through this follow-up. IMDb users gave the documentary an average rating of 7.1/10, appreciating the personal interviews and the reflective nature of the project. On the other hand, some critiques, such as those from Film Threat, pointed out that the documentary's sometimes anecdotal style might feel incomplete to viewers unfamiliar with the original film, suggesting it best serves a niche audience. Metacritic does not list a score, reflecting the documentary's specialized distribution. Overall, reviewers affirm that Once Were Warriors: Where Are They Now? is an emotionally resonant and culturally important revisit to a landmark film, although its appeal may be strongest among fans and scholars of Maori cinema and social issues.
