A devastating but empowering film about a dysfunctional Maori family. In the end we're reminded of the triumph of the human spirit and the richness of our past.

This is one of my top favorite movies in which a family descended from Maori warriors is bedeviled by a violent father and the societal problems of being treated as outcasts. New Zealand filmmaker Lee Tamahori (The Edge) directed this brutal but powerful story drawn from the culture of poverty and alienation enveloping contemporary Maori life.

The film stars Rena Owen, Temuera Morrison, Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell, Julian Arahanga and Taungaroa Emile.

The performances by all the actors are extraordinary and the ending will leave you breathless. Don't miss this movie.