In 1995 I tuned in a talk show and saw New Zealand actor Temuera Morrison being interviewed about this movie, which was getting terrific reviews, so I took myself out to see it. I was impressed by the powerful story and the entire cast but completely amazed by Morrison, who dominates the screen with his searing performance. He plays a descendant of the once-mighty Maoris of New Zealand, whom modern times have reduced to the squalor of urban poverty. Like his Maori pals, Morrison's character goes on the public dole, idling his time away drinking and carousing at his favorite bar, where he fights with the savage fury of his warrior ancestors. At home he's a "good-time Charlie," who sings and strums his guitar for a house full of friends until provocation turns him into a beast again, raging and becoming physically abusive to his long-suffering wife and children. The sheer energy Morrison brings to his role is awesome, but what makes this performance so special is the huge, tender-to-terrifying range of emotions he commands. He makes you feel the frustration of a powerful man who starts to "lose it" when things don't go his way and whose strength and attempts at intimidation only make things worse. Clearly he's a perfect symbol for modern Maoris, whose elaborate tattoos, pumped-up physiques and fierce temperament at once embody the warrior ways and put them at odds with modern times. This is a must-see movie. Sci-fi fans may recognize Morrison as bounty hunter Bobba Fett from the "Star Wars" films, tho' he's quite a bit heavier in "Warriors."
Review of Once Were Warriors
