Acclaimed Director Lee Tamahori, Creator of ‘Once Were Warriors,’ Dies at 75
Renowned New Zealand director Lee Tamahori, known for “Once Were Warriors” and Hollywood hits including “Die Another Day,” dies at 75, leaving a lasting cinematic legacy.
Lee Tamahori, the visionary New Zealand director celebrated for bringing the country’s stories to the global stage, has passed away at the age of 75. Tamahori, renowned for his groundbreaking film “Once Were Warriors,” transformed Alan Duff’s novel about a Maori family struggling in urban New Zealand into a poignant and globally recognized cinematic masterpiece. The film became the highest-grossing movie in New Zealand history, earning acclaim for its raw portrayal of family, identity, and social struggle.
Born in New Zealand, Tamahori later took his talents to Hollywood, directing several notable films, including the crime noir “Mulholland Falls” (1996) starring Nick Nolte and Jennifer Connelly, the survival thriller “The Edge” (1997) with Anthony Hopkins and Alec Baldwin, the James Bond blockbuster “Die Another Day” (2002) featuring Pierce Brosnan and Halle Berry, and the sci-fi action film “Next” (2007) with Nicolas Cage and Julianne Moore.
His family confirmed his death on November 7, without specifying the location. Earlier this year, Tamahori had spoken publicly about living with Parkinson’s disease, sharing his journey on a Maori-focused television program.
Tamahori’s legacy is remembered not only for his international success but also for his unwavering dedication to telling stories that resonate deeply with both Maori and global audiences. Tributes have poured in from filmmakers, actors, and fans worldwide, celebrating a career that bridged cultures and brought New Zealand cinema to the forefront of the world stage.
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