The representation of women with a distinct focus on the main character Beth Heke in the movie Once were warriors

Seminar paper from the year 2007 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Culture and Applied Geography grade: 23 RWTH Aachen University course: Filming New Zealand language: English abstract: New Zealand „The Wonder Country that is the title of Margaret McClures book published in Auckland 2004. In her book McClure describes the fascinating landmarks and tourist sites of New Zealand.In contrast to that Lee Tamahori designs a rather sober picture of New Zealand and its aboriginal citizens decendants respectively the Maori with his film adaption of Allan Duffs „Once were warriors. Already in 1990 Duffs novel was traded as highly controversial and bestselling. Tamahoris adaption of this novel won more than 15 international film awards. The seven-man family is about to collapse since the father Jake „The Muss Heke is alcohol addicted and once again lost his job at the beginning of the movie. Since eighteen years he constantly beats up his wife Beth Heke when he is drunk. Although the two youngest children seem to be untouched by the miserable family background the eldest son Nig joins a gang. His younger brother Marc also known as Boogie becomes re-offended when he is caught prising a car again. In the course of his misbehaviour he is sent to an approved school. Just the oldest daughter Grace seems to have a future since she succeeds in school and writes short stories. However as it ought to turn out the family is shattered by the rape of Grace and her suicide. Not until its revealed that a friend of Jake Bully who calls himself Grace' uncle raped Grace Beth draws the conclusion to leave Jake. The movie was published in Germany under the name „Die letzte Kriegerin with a distinct focus on the main character Beth Heke. It was often discussed whether this titel fits the movie and hits the essence of the film. Therefore this paper concentrates on the representation of women within the movie to answer the question wether the title „D