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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.

— Rena Owen Once Were Warriors presskit (1994)

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More quotes by Rena Owen

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)

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Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Rena Owen (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.