Stereotypes In Once Were Warriors

Alan Duff’s best-selling novel, “Once Were Warriors”, is the basis for the influential film adaption of the same title. Critics argue the brutality in the film is devoid of any complex political and social context; that there is no backdrop of the history of colonialism that had long ranging impact on Maori culture. Failure to recognize these factors only reinforces negative stereotypes. Supporters of the book and film say that it speaks on the issues that have been ignored, excused or glossed over in the Maori community. The purpose of the film was not to give negative representation of Maori, but to place them in a wider societal context. [The issue of domestic violence in Maori society culminated from a combination of many different factors. One prime factor is post-colonization. This has created a culture of poverty and consequently a culture of violence.]

A dark film that takes place in an urbanized area of south Aukckland, New Zealand; where a working-class Maori couple, Beth and Jake Heke, live in a small house with their four of five children in the margins of society. The father Jake Heke has a short-fused temper who regularly beats up his wife. Their relationship takes a domino effect on their children who are at odds with them. Nig, the eldest seeks acceptance elsewhere through entering a gang, finding his own sense of belonging and community. Boogie, the middle son is transferred to a corrections center for teenaged boys where he learns to embrace his Maori heritage. While sweet-hearted and compassionate Grace, is coping with her own set of problems that she does not reveal to anyone else except for her journal. She has nowhere to go to process her rape