Brown, Tamahori and Scholes thrashed out a basic outline for a new screenplay over a long weekend, and Brown was commissioned to write the new screenplay. Tamahori introduced Riwia Brown as a possible writer. Although Tamahori hadn't directed any features, he had experience working as a crew member on several key NZ films and was one of the A-list commercials directors at the time.

The mantle was passed to Lee Tamahori, who agreed to direct immediately after reading Duff's draft. Ian Mune was approached but felt the book was too difficult to adapt. Production company Communicado was looking for a first feature to develop, and producer Robin Scholes secured the rights to the novel. This was the context in which Alan Duff's bestselling novel Once Were Warriors (his first) was published in 1990. Many found themselves more connected to a rootless global subculture than their own history. Gangs attracted some young Māori who lacked a sense of belonging and purpose.

The discipline of the city was totally different from the discipline of the country. They were broke, they had their power and water cut off, they owed rates and stuff like this. So many families were soon run down and the children were in trouble. The drift was driven by employment opportunities, but as Dr Pita Sharples says: 'The change from the rural to an urban way of life was a huge culture shock. By the mid-1990s that statistic was reversed. If one New Zealand film can claim to have effected social change and stirred debate, Once Were Warriors is it.īefore the Second World War 80% of Māori lived in rural areas. The New York Times called the result 'social realism with a savage kick.' The opening shot (South Island alpine scenery revealed to be a billboard above a grey industrial landscape) signals the film's intent. The film captured the attention of not only 'shaken and silent' audiences worldwide, but confronted New Zealanders with life beyond the cliches of sheep and pretty scenery. This is a brutal tale of an urban Māori whānau falling apart, as patriarch Jake abuses his rage and Beth struggles to hold the family together in a South Auckland slum.

Once were warriors alan duff