James Bond and ‘Once Were Warriors’ Director Dies at 75

Lee Tamahori, the renowned New Zealand filmmaker, has passed away at the age of 75. His family announced that he died at home following a battle with Parkinson’s disease. Tamahori is best known for his groundbreaking work in cinema, particularly the acclaimed film Once Were Warriors.

Legacy of Lee Tamahori

Tamahori’s legacy is deeply intertwined with his contributions to film and the inspiration he provided to filmmakers. His family stated, “His legacy endures with his whānau, his mokopuna, every filmmaker he inspired, every boundary he broke and every story he told with his genius eye and honest heart.”

Film Career Highlights

Born in Wellington, New Zealand, in 1950, Lee Tamahori achieved international fame with his film Once Were Warriors, released in 1994. This film made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival and presented a stark portrayal of gang life, domestic violence, and cultural identity.

Following its success, Tamahori transitioned to Hollywood, directing several major films, including:

• The Edge (1997) – A survival drama featuring Anthony Hopkins and Alec Baldwin.
• Die Another Day (2002) – A James Bond film starring Pierce Brosnan and Halle Berry.
• xXx: State of the Union (2005) – A political thriller starring Samuel L. Jackson.
• Next (2007) – A sci-fi thriller featuring Nicolas Cage.

Early Life and Career

Tamahori initially worked as a commercial artist and photographer before delving into filmmaking. He emerged as a key figure in the late 1970s and directed commercials and TV series during the 1980s with his production company, Flying Fish. His short film Thunderbox (1989) marked the beginning of his directorial journey.

His passion for film began in his youth, inspired by sneaking into cinemas to watch action and western movies. He reminisced about these formative experiences in a 2022 interview, emphasizing their impact on his career as a filmmaker.

Recent Projects

More recently, Tamahori returned to his Māori roots with the films The Patriarch (2016) and The Convert (2023). The latter is a historical drama set in the 19th century that stars Guy Pearce as a British minister caught in the conflict between rival Māori tribes.

Family and Survivors

Lee Tamahori is survived by his wife, Justine, and his four children: Sam, Max, Meka, and Tané. His family, along with the film community, mourns the loss of a talented director who championed Māori talent both on and off the screen.