Change Your Image
Wassig
Reviews
Once Were Warriors (1994)
Haka
There is one scene in particular that had the most impact on me as a viewer. It is the scene in which Boogie was performing the Haka right after he got off the phone with his mother. He did so as a means to take out all his frustrations; to find a way to deal with the pain he was feeling. Like all the characters in the movie, who have their own way of redirecting their frustrations, Boogie redirects his in a more constructive manner. The Haka dance in the movie is symbolic for one's search for their identity. Boogie inevitably gets in touch with his roots and later, stating to his brother, that he wears his tattoos on the inside. This shows that Boogie is proud of who he is and of where he came from.
Not only does this movie focus on the search for oneself, but it also focuses on several aspects of racism and ethnocentricity. Many cultures have subcultures that are belittled by their own people. Although they may be from the same country, they are degraded and treated poorly. This movie touches on several points that many people can relate to. I would recommend watching this to learn a few things about the Maori culture and to gain a little knowledge on how other cultures are treated outside your own.
La otra conquista (1998)
Finally, a different point of view.
What I found interesting about The Other Conquest is its ability to tell a story of colonization that relates to many, if not all cultures on some level. It not only tells the story from the point of view of the Spanish, but also from Aztecs that were being conquered. Coming from the Philippines, I have noticed several similarities between our culture, and that of Mexico. Not to mention, both have been conquered by Spain and Catholicism is the predominate religion in both countries.
Topilzin, the main character of the story, represents a conquest for one's identity. He battles between his own cultural beliefs and those instilled upon him by the Spanish invaders. In doing so, he becomes torn between two ideals, which ultimately leads to a compromise of the two. He accepts Christianity, but won't relinquish his own belief system.
In many ways, this story is symbolic for how cultures assimilate other cultures into their own. The Philippines, for example, is a fusion of many cultures. It is a mixture of many beliefs, knowledge, values, and ideas. And yet, they are still able to call it their own.
I would recommend this movie to anyone who is trying to get in touch with their roots. It tells an amazing story of facing adversity and still being able to recognize where you came from.