"Once Were Warriors" is the deeple affecting and uncomprimising story of a contemporary Maori family. After 18 years and five children, Beth (Rena Owen) remains deeply in love with her husband,Jake (Temuera Morrison). Her family, however, is collapsing under the pressure of Jake's drinking and esplosive violence. In order to protect her family's future, Beth must draw on all her inner strength and embrace the power of her past.