SPOTLIGHTS
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| Warrior Mini-Review |
| Posted by Chad Webb on 09.13.2011 |
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After a largely mediocre summer at the movie theater, Warrior was exactly what I needed. Here is a formula viewers have seen numerous times before, but director Gavin O’Connor keeps it fresh and exciting. Many have cited the similarities this film has to titles like Rocky, The Fighter, and The Wrestler. True, if you enjoyed those, it is likely that you will dig Warrior. However, by changing the stage to an MMA octagon, and balancing the underdog storyline with the struggling family bond, Warrior develops its own identity with ease. And unlike The Fighter, the main characters are not upstaged by any supporting role, thus the conclusion remains absorbing and meaningful. O’Connor, who made the exemplary Miracle, understands how to inspire an audience and get them invested in the action. Combine the brilliant acting with a rousing score from Mark Isham, and you have a near triumph. Up until now, the only other noteworthy MMA film was Redbelt, from David Mamet, but Warrior is what fans have been waiting for.
Warrior is aided by the dark and moody direction from O’Connor and cinematographer Masanobu Takayanagi, but the performances are what catapult it to the next level. Tom Hardy (Bronson) and Joel Edgerton (Animal Kingdom) are sensational as estranged brothers vying for the same $5 million prize in an MMA tournament. Nick Nolte delivers his finest work in years as their father, a former drunk trying desperately to win back their affections. O’Connor recruited two stars that are believable as real fighters who need money, and he crafts the matches with electricity and emotion. Even Kurt Angle is praiseworthy as Koba, the intimidating Russian, which is an obvious nod to Rocky IV. Angle is best without lines. The relationships act as the glue in Warrior. This is a family that was broken in half, with two halves going their separate ways and being thrown back together through the sport of mixed martial arts. All the best sports films are not really about the sport, but what transpires away from those competitive events. Warrior follows that trend as a powerful, elegiac piece that I can’t wait to watch again.
Final Rating = 9.0/10.0 |
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