What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?

What Becomes of the Broken Hearted? is a 1999 film hailed from New Zealand, a sequel to the critically acclaimed movie 'Once Were Warriors'. Directed by Ian Mune and reuniting the formidable pair of actors, Temuera Morrison and Rena Owen, the film delves deeper into the urbanized Maori culture and domestic realities of the Heke family from the first film. This film introduces a new character, Cousin Boogie played by Clint Eruera, adding a different dynamic to the plot.

The narrative focuses on Jake Heke, portrayed by Temuera Morrison, an archetype of a brooding and troubled protagonist, fraught with the weight of his past actions. Jake, attempting to reconcile with the hurt he has caused to his family whilst struggling to mend his ways in the gritty, and often, brutal outskirts of Auckland. The sequel sees Jake, without the presence of his wife Beth Heke, performed convincingly by Rena Owen. She, having reconciled with her Maori roots, is seen sporadically throughout the film as the heart and soul of the movie whose lingering impact still resonates with Jake and his evolution.

The film documents that evolution, tracing Jake's journey through personal redemption and the maze of violence, masculinity, and machismo that seems interwoven into the very fabric of his life. His world is further disrupted by the arrival of a new character, Cousin Boogie, a young and spirited individual whose reckless lifestyle and embroilment in gang violence further strains the already fragile ties of the Heke family.

One of the central motifs of this sequel is the exploration of unflinching brutality and unvarnished violence. The director Ian Mune skillfully escalates such elements, pushing Jake and the audience into a turbulent journey intent on understanding the implications of violence on a personal and community level. This intense exploration of violence intertwines in the narrative, while also questioning how it intrinsically affects and modifies relationships, self-identity, and the broader community.

Unlike its predecessor, What Becomes of the Broken Hearted? amplifies the themes of redemption and regret. Jake’s character arc reveals a more vulnerable side, and his pursuit of absolution adds layers of emotion and complexity rarely seen in the first part. This journey speaks volumes about the dialectics of the degradation and resurrection of human spirit, as Jake battles his personal demons while grappling with his surroundings.

The film doesn't shy away from amplifying the underrepresented voices of urban Maori culture. It projects hard-hitting realities and the struggle people face while navigating through ensuing poverty, crime, and sustained affliction. As Jake confronts his distended sense of masculinity and the crippling impacts of societal norms, the film chronicles his journey into a world populated by nefarious characters caught up in an incessant cycle of violence and retribution.

Through its intricate storylines and profound character studies, What Becomes of the Broken Hearted? deepens the representation of Maori culture and urban social issues, while delving deeper into the anarchy of gang violence and its impact. Mune ensures the audience becomes privy to the machinations of a subculture grappling with the consequences of violence, crime, and poverty.

Moreover, the relationships in the film are portrayed with startling realism, capturing the dynamic and complexities of familial bonds. Here, love is constantly challenged and moulded by the relentless brutality that pervades their lives. Jake's complicated relationship with his children, coupled with Boogie's entrance and the lingering presence of Beth, adds a compelling narrative layer to this emotionally charged drama.

Noteworthy performances from Morrison, Owen, and Eruera further anchor this dramatic tale. Their portrayals of struggle, redemption, and resilience amid a turbulent urban backdrop are both heart-rending and captivating, making 'What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?' not just an ordinary sequel, but a worthy, engaging narrative in its own right. Overall, it's a gritty, intense, and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition that doesn't shy away from exposing the raw and unsavoury elements of society.