Mind strength...

Last night I watched Once Were Warriors (Lee Tamahori, 1994). It's the first time I'd seen the film since it was released, I just couldn't stomach the idea of watching Beth Heke (Rena Owne) get bashed and her thirteen year old daughter, Grace (Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell) raped by a man who may or may not be her father! But this happens all the time and not just in Maori culture! I've seen many violent films over the years that depict male aggression - American History X (Tony Kaye, 1998) comes to mind, particularly that horrendous and sickening scene in which white, neo-Nazi skin-head Derek (Edward Norton) uses his foot (complete with stomping boots) to smash the head of an African American onto the edge of the pavement. But Jake Heke (Temuera Morrison) in Once Were Warriors still stands as one of the most fearsome on-screen characters, with his displays of so-called strength - bullying & verbal and physical abuse of others weaker than him. His behaviour may be born out of low self-esteem, poverty, frustration, lack of education and an inability to articulate or show emotions other than anger, but this cannot excuse it. I'm about three-quarter way through Alan Duff's book and the primary difference is that the novel gives a greater insight into the inner life of Jake, Beth and Grace and gives a broader picture of their fears and desires. At the end of the film I was wondering how we as a society could encourage male spirituality, the kind of spirit demonstrated when the director of the Boys home where Boogie Heke (Taungaroa Emile) is sent, tries to instill some inner strength in the boy by teaching him traditional Maori chants and martial arts. He says: 'The British thought that the bayonet was the most lethal of all hand to hand combat weapons. Until they came across our warriors who fought with the taiaha, you thinks your fist's are your weapon? when I have taught your mind will be'.