10 quotes
Once Were Warriors went into the intimate places of sexual abuse and you saw up close and personal what domestic violence looked like.
Absolute privilege' to play Once Were Warriors' Beth Heke, says Rena Owen (2019)
This film helped to open the door, and anger management groups, women's groups were inundated with callers saying I've got a warriors problem.
Rena Owen recalls heavy moments on set of Once Were Warriors (2025)
I don't think I'm being unjust saying this, but Beth will be one of the best roles of my life because female dramatic leads are so rare. I'm very blessed to have had the opportunity.
Once Were Warriors presskit (1994)
Beth is definitely one of the best characters I've played in my fourteen years as an actress ... It was great to re-create her and see everyone again.
What Becomes of the Broken Hearted? presskit (1999)
Everything personally, and professionally, shaped me for that role ... But I couldn't have done it had I not had all those years in theatre. That's what gave me the strength to do it.
Absolute privilege' to play Once Were Warriors' Beth Heke, says Rena Owen (2019)
I literally had a woman come up to my table and burst into tears and go, 'Your performance helped me to walk away from a violent relationship.'
Rena Owen recalls heavy moments on set of Once Were Warriors (2025)
A lot of people do not think that Maoris should be portrayed in this way. But until you can acknowledge the ugliness in your race, you can't move on. We are all good and bad, we are human and can't pretend we are perfect.
Once Were Warriors presskit (1994)
Ultimately what the film is about is that Beth makes a choice. Hopefully there will be men who see the film, see Jake and recognize themselves and think, “God, is this what I look like when I do that?” For me, if it saves one person’s life, then we’ve done our job.
Warrior Woman (1995)
Beth is a fighter and I'm certainly a fighter but I would never have got myself in that situation. I can relate to the spirit in her, that wants something better for not just herself and her children, but also her people.
Once Were Warriors presskit (1994)
I could have been a Beth – I know lots of Beths. I could’ve quite easily been a Beth if my first love hadn’t messed around on me, because when I was 16 I would have been happy to live in Moerewa for the rest of my life and have lots of babies.
Warrior Woman (1995)