What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?

One thing that was inevitable about this film -- it was never going to be able to have anywhere near the impact of what it is the sequel for -- Once Were Warriors.

This isn't bad, but at the same time it's not great. Morrison resurrects Jake Heke, who is now fighting to save his son from a gang lifestyle after another of his sons is killed in a gangland shootout.

An excellent performance in a supporting role from Rawiri Paratene is probably the highlight of this tale, but I must admit that, by the end, I was beginning to recall again just how much writer Alan Duff gets on my nerves.

I found the movie to have a significant number of 'loop holes' if I may, some parts of the story did not flow on from 'Warriors'. Great acting, from both old and new. Hats off to Nancy Brunning for her brilliant acting, and also to Temuera Morrison, for having the courage to play 'Jake' again. A moving and brutal sequel to 'Warriors', however, in my opinion, the First is always the best!! Rock on 'Once were Warriors'!!

I liked this enough to see twice, and think it may actually surpass Once Were Warriors in quality. If people are expecting more of the same, forget it - this is primarily about one man's personal journey, to which the gang subplot ties in nicely. Temuera Morrison steals the show with his amazing performance and stunning presence and charisma, as does newcomer Clint Eruera as his estranged son. This film is a lot more Hollywood-style (ie more action) than Warriors, but really takes you on an engrossing emotional journey along the way - a few scenes had me close to tears. It's absolutely criminal that this film didn't make a bigger impact than it did - what were people expecting, Once Were Warrio

...That Ape is Dooley from the first film? And one of his gang members in the fight scene at the end of the movie is the guy that Jake decked in the bar for putting on the juke box from the first movie?! Surprised nobody has picked up on this!

The movie is great, not so much the harrowing insight into domestic abuse and child neglect, alcoholism and its results. More a tale of redemption, sorrow and revenge. I'd recommend everybody who liked Once Were Warriors see this, as it's a very fitting follow up.

Jake the Muss brings the goodness again, a few exciting fight scenes, a bit of domestic abuse and a whole bucket load of redemption and realisation at the hands of some unlikely people who help him see the errors of his ways.

7 out of 10.

I was impressed when I first saw this film. Once Were Warriors gave us here in Aotearoa (New Zealand) a new perspective into some of our peoples lifestyles. However it was a bitter pill, the violence overwhelming at times.

In this the second film, the main character Jake 'the muscles' Heke confronts his own demons and fights to reclaim his whanau (family). This film was a welcome addition for me, while it tied up all the lose ends a little too tidily I was grateful to see Jake's transition.

This contained very little of the originals dynamic appeal and will certainly not hold the appeal of the first to the people who actually enjoyed the violence in Once Were Warriors. For those of us who cared about the characters and hoped for their salvation this film is a must see.