Without question, Warrior is one of my favorite films of the year. If you doubt me, go ahead and have your reservations like I initially did. Except once you see it, you will be pleasantly surprised. It’s a movie that gets so much right; it’s emotionally-gripping, skillfully executed, genuine action, and is masterfully directing by co-writer Gavine O’Connor (Disney’s Miracle). Depending on what other films are released in the next few months, “Warrior” may even nab some award nominations. It’s Rocky for a new generation plus explosive mixed martial arts.
Warrior’s setup is simple. A former US Marine Tommy Conlon, played by Tom Hardy (Inception, The Dark Knight Rises) comes back from the recent war in the Middle East to his once alcoholic father, Paddy Conlon (Tropic Thunder & Hotel Rwanda’s Nick Nolte). Tommy wants his father train him, as he did once during his school wrestling days, for the largest mixed martial arts tournament SPARTA in order to win a $3 million prize. He has the intention of using the money to help someone he knew during the war. Meanwhile, Tommy’s older brother Brendan (played by Joel Edgerton, the Star Wars prequels’ Owen Lars) has gone from UFC fighter to high school physics family man and faces financial trouble. Brendan decides to try gunning for the SPARTA prize. Both men must confront each other in the ring, outside the ring, and with their pasts.
To be honest, when I saw the trailer for Warrior, I thought it would decent at best, considering the the farfetched story. This movie definitely is a great example of great storytelling as well. I was able to understand all sides to the story and easily empathize with the characters. Pacing is solid. Starting out quite slow then hitting just the right upward slope to make it excellent. The final chunk of the film features authentically choreographed mixed martial arts fights with fantastic editing to get your adrenaline going. And since this is such a character driven story, Warrior greatly benefits from its amazing cast. Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton brought their muscles and acting chops in full force. There’s a particularly strong performance by Nick Nolte as the regret-filled and desperate father. Any of these performances are Oscar worthy with Nolte being the most deserving
I will admit that I shed some man-tears at the end of “Warrior” from the satisfyingly emotional roller coaster ride to the finish. It is a film that fits our country’s current situation. Brendan is battling against an impending foreclosure and bankruptcy declaration. Tommy is fighting to make up for his troubled past and his involvement in the war in the Middle East. Warrior is an astounding, moving tale of persistence to achieve a seemingly impossible goal. A modern twist on the American Dream.
