Warrior

Release Date: 23 September 2011
Starring: Joel Edgerton, Nick Nolte, Tom Hardy
Details: US/139mins 12A

Packing the kind of raw emotional punch rarely seen in modern cinema, many will compare this tale of two estranged brothers and their recovering alcoholic father to Rocky, purely on the basis of the combat element. I don't say this lightly, but Warrior is a better film than Rocky - which frankly, hasn't aged well. The plot may be familiar, but the execution and performances are as flawless and natural as you'll see all year. To put it simply, Warrior is an absolute belter of a film.

The two siblings are Edgerton's Brendan and Hardy's Tommy. Both are still harboring anger towards their now clean father (Nolte in a stunning supporting turn), and when Tommy returns home all grown up, those feelings bubble at the surface. When Brendan was 16, a much younger Tommy left with his mother, who couldn't handle the beatings at the hands of Nolte's pissed-up husband anymore. But Brendan stayed and put up with his father so he could marry his high school sweetheart (when we meet him, they have two daughters together). Tommy, meanwhile, didn't have much in the way of a childhood and when his mother passed away, he joined the military.

The brothers may not have seen each other for over a decade and a half, but they have two things in common. The first is that they're desperate for money, and the second is that they're both accomplished Mixed Martial Artists. When a tournament is announced with a $5 million prize, both sign up with few giving them a chance to win.

One of the most noteworthy things about Warrior (and there are many) is just how much it takes its time. Director O'Conner wants you to know these people - feel for them - so when that final emotional wallop hits, it stays with you. His focus is firmly on characters, and all three main protagonists feel remarkably well-rounded. But that doesn't mean that the 'MMA' is brushed over, or done in a half-assed manner; in fact, it's completely the opposite. Warrior is brutally realistic and authentic in a way that few sports movies have been. That's the result of a director who cares enough to get every arm bar, or rear naked choke (MMA moves, for the uninitiated) right - the best of the best were hired here as consultants.

The performances here are Oscar-worthy, which may not mean a whole lot nowadays, but Edgerton, Hardy or Nolte can't be praised highly enough. Edgerton as the older brother has his priorities straight as a result of a grounded wife, but is still struggling on his teacher's wage. Hardy is so pent-up that the brute force he unleashes on his opponents is so swift, it's almost comical. When the brothers finally do meet, it's absolutely electric. Nolte is note-perfect as the regretful father who is grateful for another chance; if he doesn't get a Best Supporting Actor nomination next year, then the Academy are more stupid than I thought.

Warrior made me want to punch the air with glee. It made me want to clap, and it almost made me cry. As a huge UFC fan, I encourage you to see it - but more importantly, as a fan of cinema, I insist that you see it.

Review by Mike Sheridan

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Your Comments

FilmBuff76

I'm not familiar with the world of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), but this variation on the working-class hero returning to the ring is a worthwile, if unspectacular addition to the sports movie genre. Having two brothers at the heart of it gives it some punch and it's more honest and committed than the over-rated The Fighter. Tom Hardy continues to go from strength to strength, and if his performance in this is anything to go by, then he will be beating up Batman come next summer. It's overlong and a little cliched, but aren't most sports movies?

Posted 21/09/2011 22:31:37

KickedArse

My favourite movie of the year. I cried like a girl. LIKE A GIRL!

Posted 23/09/2011 14:51:02

damoreilly

Seen this lastnight without hearing anything about it and it turned out to be one of the best films i've seen this year. It's Rocky for a new generation, even better than 'the fighter' in my opinion. A must see.

Posted 26/09/2011 08:56:28

damoreilly

Also, like a girl.

Posted 26/09/2011 08:57:51

jack brown

great film . entertaining and emotional stuff . well made . i recommend this as you will not be disappointed

Posted 26/09/2011 10:27:49

ted29

This is a fabulous film. I loved it totally and to my surprise so did my wife. Dont let the title or the fact its an MMA movie put you off one little bit. Easily one of the best films of the year so far. Dont miss it!

Posted 26/09/2011 21:33:13

CreamCake

Up there with Friday Night Lights for me. One of the best sports movies of all time.

Posted 27/09/2011 10:50:28

Patman

Wonderful film, I didn't know whether to cheer or cry at the end

Posted 02/10/2011 04:06:00

Kiri

I have to disagree entirely. This film was such a major disappointment. One of the most pretentious, cliched and dumb, testosteron driven movies I've seen for a long time. A shockingly weak plot, superficial character develpoment combined with a pseudo emotional depth . How this film can get a higher rating than The Wrestler and The Fighter, both excellent movies and in a different league altogether, is beyond me!

Posted 02/10/2011 20:13:08

harryt

What a brilliant movie,My 13 year old son wanted to see it so I went along reluctantly and I am so glad I did.There was a great storyline and it was really well acted.My favourite movie of the year so far.

Posted 03/10/2011 00:05:56

KickedArse

@Kiri really think we saw different movies. This doesn't even compare to The Fighter - it's in a different league. The fights were better, the relationships were more organic. Completely disagree with everything you said

Posted 03/10/2011 12:59:06

Kiri

Ok here are just a few points: The film threw out its biggest asset – the relationship between the two brothers. That storyline didn't even feature during the first 2/3 of the movie and when it was set up rather clumsily during the beach scene it was too late to make an impact. It should have at least been part of the preparations for the fight. The Iraq plot was ridiculous and totally unnecessary. The training sequence in multi screen format didn't work (long live Rocky!). Not one drop of blood was shown (probably for age rating reasons) making the fight scenes unrealistic. And I could go on…

Posted 03/10/2011 17:00:41

Cakes

Kiri you are crazy. This was a cracking film.

Posted 03/10/2011 17:11:08

ted29

Kiri is talking through his or her ass.

Posted 03/10/2011 21:31:57

PaulieB

Far too many boxing movies, didn't we just have The Fighter? There is no better boxing movie than Rocky, Rocky is a true underdog, a legend, his story can't be touched. Hence it winning a bunch of Oscars and various other movie awards.

Posted 06/10/2011 15:43:12

PaulieB

Having said that, this movie does look great, but i can't see it touching Rocky.

Posted 06/10/2011 15:44:37

michelle o callaghan

Very good movie, but i do think it dragged out!!

Posted 08/10/2011 12:05:41

Cakes

It's a far superior film to Rocky. Slow, but well paced in general. Loved it!

Posted 10/10/2011 14:01:19

clig

So emotional! this is great you don't have to like UFC it's a great story very well told.

Posted 12/10/2011 09:08:55

JPS

Rocky hasn't aged well? Really? Rocky II, III, IV etc have certainly aged badly because they were fun, but sloppy and silly films. The original Rocky film more than stands the time due to excellent casting, scripting, plot, directing, soundtrack, etc. Really curious as to what you think has fallen flat from that when viewed nowadays. The comment has made me unsure what to take from the rest of the review.

Posted 12/10/2011 16:08:16

flea2001ie

Very enjoyable film but a bit ridiculous plot. Nolte was fantastic in it. He would bring a tear to your eye. Good but will never be as powerfuil as the likes of the Wrestler. It was better than Rocky though!

Posted 17/10/2011 11:56:41

Gareth

Great movie, Tom Hardy is really making a mark for himself in Hollywood.

Posted 19/10/2011 17:38:01

cliffy666

perfect..... a seamless, raw, and inspiring movie, one of those rare occasions where a decent idea becomes a great movie, perfect casting, well balanced, and impact driven scenes. just perfect....

Posted 20/12/2011 14:45:58

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