Warrior
Directed by: Gavin O'Connor
Starring: Joel Edgerton, Tom Hardy, Nick Nolte
Rated: PG-13 for sequences of intense mixed martial arts fighting, some language and thematic elements.
Perhaps the most underdog film of the year thus far has been the MMA underdog tale in Warrior. While the film certainly meets the expectations of the audience by playing into the formula of the typical fighter genre, it adds enough unique twists (such as the MMA sport or having the two heroes fight in the end) to make it surprising and interesting. It has some excellent testosterone-fueled fights, but it's the heart that makes Warrior a complete success. Estranged brothers fighting against each other for the championship, an ex-marine fighting for a fallen comrade's family, an out-on-his-luck family man fighting to protect his family, an estranged father trying to rebuild his relationship with his sons. Tom Hardy is beastly, but he has heart beyond his rough exterior. Nick Nolte is oddly decent as the estranged father, but it's Joel Edgerton that makes the film connect; he beats the snot out of his opponents, yet he's a great high schooler teacher, loves playing with his daughters, and is respectful to his wife. As fallen and troubled as the characters are, they define a certain masculinity that is very appealing. It's a film about what in life is truly worth fighting over, and inspire us to do the same.
Rated: PG-13 for sequences of intense mixed martial arts fighting, some language and thematic elements.
Perhaps the most underdog film of the year thus far has been the MMA underdog tale in Warrior. While the film certainly meets the expectations of the audience by playing into the formula of the typical fighter genre, it adds enough unique twists (such as the MMA sport or having the two heroes fight in the end) to make it surprising and interesting. It has some excellent testosterone-fueled fights, but it's the heart that makes Warrior a complete success. Estranged brothers fighting against each other for the championship, an ex-marine fighting for a fallen comrade's family, an out-on-his-luck family man fighting to protect his family, an estranged father trying to rebuild his relationship with his sons. Tom Hardy is beastly, but he has heart beyond his rough exterior. Nick Nolte is oddly decent as the estranged father, but it's Joel Edgerton that makes the film connect; he beats the snot out of his opponents, yet he's a great high schooler teacher, loves playing with his daughters, and is respectful to his wife. As fallen and troubled as the characters are, they define a certain masculinity that is very appealing. It's a film about what in life is truly worth fighting over, and inspire us to do the same.
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