WARRIOR
Cast: Nick Nolte, Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton
Directed by: Gavin O’Connor
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sequences of intense mixed martial arts fighting, some language and thematic material
Genre: Action, Adventure, Inspirational
Running Time: 2hrs 19min
Opening Date: September 9th, 2011
Distributed by: Lionsgate
By John Delia
This is one of those long films that have a lot to say before it gets into the action it has been promoting. Warrior depends on its inspirational message to keep the audience entertained while they wait for the fierce fighting that makes this movie a winner.Â
Much like The Fighter, last years Oscar nominated film, the movie pits two brothers against each other in a battle of pride, redemption and anguish over their past relationships with family. Here however, we find the two Tommy (Tom Hardy) now an ex-marine and Brendan (Joel Edgerton) now a teacher at odds with each other due to an incident that happened when they were young involving their father Paddy (Nick Nolte) who coached them as wrestlers.
The story opens with Tommy coming home after being embarrassed in the Marine Corps for misconduct. His main reason is to enlist his father’s help in winning a ‘winner takes all’ mixed martial arts tournament called Sparta. Surprised by his return Paddy tries to reconcile, but the only way Tommy will accept him is if he trains him for Sparta. When Brendan gets to word that Paddy is training Tommy he enters Sparta.
The acting here is very good and both Hardy and Edgerton fit the mold of two brothers at odds with each other and are fit to enter the ring. Director Gavin O’Connor (Miracle) takes the men to their limits in both a physical and psychological way. The final confrontation between the two ranks high in the film world with Raging Bull, The Fighter and Rocky.
But the star of the film comes from an outstanding performance by Nick Nolte as the father who has to make an unpopular decision in order to save his family. As a recovering alcoholic Nolte’s Paddy finds himself in a pressure situation to which most alcoholics would succumb. Trying to overcome the past and make things right Paddy tries to reconcile but finally has to decide between his two sons. It’s a gut wrencher of a role and Nolte pulls it off. Look for an Oscar nomination for Supporting Actor for Nolte.
Good cinematography, sound and choreography are paramount to the final fight and Masanobu Takayanagi (Babel) camera, Ben Wilkins (Final Destination 5) sound editor, J. J. Perry (Haywire) stunt coordinator, work in tandem to produce an amazing explosive martial arts battle.
Warrior is rated PG-13 for sequences of intense mixed martial arts fighting, some language and thematic material. The film spans 2 hours and 19 minutes so you may want to bring along a cushion.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A very good production with a cringing story. (B)