"Once Were Warriors" is set in urban Auckland, New Zealand, and tells the story of the Heke family. Jake Heke is a violent man who frequently beats his wife when drunk, but it is evident that he loves both her and his family.
The movie follows a period of several weeks in the family's life, showcasing Jake's frequent outbursts of violence and the impact it has on his family. The youngest son is in trouble with the police and may be placed in a foster home, while the elder son is on the verge of joining a street gang.
Jake's daughter also faces her own serious problems, which play a crucial role in the plot of the movie.