By Daniel N. Gullotta.
Warrior is a different kind of fighting movie for a few reasons. The most obvious change up is that the story centers around not one, but two protagonists, each one desiring to win the final comp and each one with their own reasons why they must. The other change is that it features mixed-martial arts rather then one particular style and this really adds to the intensity of some of the fights and hits in the film. The premise is a simple one: two brothers, separated and divided by current problems and past sins, must fight in a world tournament in order to survive.
All the characters in this are broken people. The brothers, Brendan (Joel Edgerton) and Tommy (Tom Hardy) were raised in a house with a violently alcoholic father (Nick Nolte) and a sick mother. Since then Brendan is facing money troubles and family issues that he cannot break free off and Tommy is haunted by the events of his time in Iraq as a marine. Also, at this time their father has managed to pull his life together after 1000 days without alcohol and a return to Church, but to Brendan and Tommy, it’s far too little far too late. While it may have all the components of a redemption story, Warrior does not contain much forgiveness, but more survival. It is tale about what broken and wounded people do to try and break free and get ahead.
The real beauty of Warrior is that you don’t want to see either Brendan or Tommy lose. The films perfectly sets up the story that the audience really cares about the hurt and lose of both characters and both of their futures hang in the balance on one of them winning this prize money. Warrior could have easily broken into a feel good turn around money, but the pain and heartache in Warrior is so real, the decision characters make are completely believable.
Gavin O’Connor must be commended for Warrior. The vision and delivery of this film is outstandingly good. The script grounds the audience in such raw and energetic emotion. Both Edgerton and Hardy are fantastic in their roles, both playing different styles and different angles in and out of the arena. Hardy’s anger and cutting dialogue really stand out and Edgerton’s moments of down time with his wife and kids amongst his uncertain financial future are absolutely moving. Yet, the flood lights are thrusted upon Nick Nolte in a performance that would make any father and son pair cry. However Jennifer Morrison as Edgerton’s wife and Kevin Dunn as his boss should be praised for this great supporting roles in the film.
The only real problem with Warrior is it’s sometimes unnecessarily slow pacing and editing discussions. Many scenes linger and loom for longer then what is needed and the film could have been shorted with some smarter editing choices. However, no dialogue or scenes should have been removed from this film, as they all work so well together. The fighting is impressive and gripping to say the least, and it looks absolutely real. You feel every single hit and with some impressive stunts, you feel like you are in the ring. All of this action, drama, and intensity make for a very enjoyable viewing experience and one that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
ONE SENTENCE REVIEW:
Take your Dad out to the movies and prepare to hug out your problems.
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