The film Once Were Warriors follows a Maori family as they try to thrive in the slums. As the film progresses various struggles put a strain on relationships within the family; which are compounded by the loss of identity of the Maori people represented by this family.
The Maori people depicted in this film are struggling with many issues analogous to those of many of the minority groups of the United States. The struggles of the Maori people in this film are compounded by the loss of their cultural identity. The low key lighting throughout the film helps to emphasize the effects of the schism in each person's identity in the film; the lighting shows that even in times of joviality there is still darkness upon each person. The actions of the main character, Jake, demonstrate the effects of trying to get rid of your past identity; he is perpetually unhappy, and tries to escape his dislike of himself with fighting and alcohol. The one person who is actually able to become happy and improve their status is the son in social custody; He is taught about his cultural identity and brings this identity into his core and makes it a part of him, which allows him to become whole and enjoy life. This film shows the problems of a whole demographic of New Zealand; the Maori are having to forge a new identity while maintaining their cultural identity, and until these people are able to come to terms with the new way of the culture they will stay downtrodden.
I like what you said about the low key lighting, that was a big thing I noticed while watching the film as well. The lighting was particularly dark at very horrific moments in the film such as when Grace was getting raped or after they noticed that she killed herself. Another time that you notice the scene is particularly dark is when Jake is drinking, or drunk. The one point where there was bright ample light that sticks out in my mind is when the family rents the car to go see the son in social custody and they are enjoying themselves singing along in the car. The lighting reflects the mood the audience is supposed to feel.
ReplyDeleteNice deduction about the effects of lighting. It is definitely a central characteristic of this film as far as cinematography is considered. The lighting truly depicts the darker side of life and clearly shows the viewer that a problem is still there. It is a true representation of the movie.
ReplyDeleteI agree with how One Were Warriors mirrored many minority groups in the United States. They reminded me of the many Native American groups here, from the "ritual-like" movements to tattoos. However, unlike the Maori depicted in this film, Native American seem to bond more and establish a strong, tight-knit community. Being small in number doesn't mean a loss in identity.
ReplyDeleteVery good film review. I agree that the issues and problems they face are very globalized issues. People all over the world can face the same problems that the characters in this film face. Because of the globalization of these issues, I believe it makes the film easy to relate to and understand.
ReplyDeleteThe point you made about Jake trying to escape his identity is one that I recognized in the film, as well. Jake's past social status as a slave in the Maori tribe he came from, haunted him as much as he despised it. His new life after marrying Beth became a quest for the power he could never have within the tribe. Through his drinking, violence, and terror over his family, Jake feels power. Ironically, he ultimately loses this power.
ReplyDeleteYou say that it is a "loss of identity of the Maori people [that is] represented by this family." I disagree completely. The movie is seeping with conflicting cultural identities - there is an abundance of them, not a loss. Beth's identity is a "princess," and she shows it by being self-absorbed and dependent. Jake's identity is "slave," which he lives day to day, enslaved by alcohol and machismo. The real conflict in the movie is how to deal with identities so strong that they become price tags that restrict social and economic status. The children play out this conflict. Nig tattoos half of his face instead of all of it to show how he chooses which of his parent's identities to identify with. Likewise, Boogie chooses to wear his on the inside, disallowing it to define him on the outside. This is what makes him the most stable character by the end of the movie.
ReplyDeleteGood point on the lighting. I too noticed that most of the filmed had dark lightings to show the mood of each character especially Jake. I agree on how the characters in the film struggle with identity because i think that Beth is trying to escape her past life and start over but Jake doesnt change and continues to get drunk and be tough.
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