WARRIOR Movie Review – A MUST SEE!
When I attended an advance screening for WARRIOR a couple of month ago, I knew that I really wanted to see the movie, but what I didn’t know was how much I was going to love it. Yes, turns out Warrior has become one of my favorite films this year.
The movie follows two estranged brothers who are reunited through an MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) event, Sparta.
Marine Tommy Conlon (Tom Hardy), a former wrestling prodigy, comes homes after fourteen years and enlists his former alcoholic father (Nick Nolte) to train him for Sparta.
As for his brother Brendan (Joel Edgerton), an ex-fighter-turned teacher, his return to the ring and entrance into Sparta is driven by a last desperate attempt to save his family from financial ruin.
As the two start rising in the event, they are lead to an inevitable dramatic confrontation.
For those of you who enjoyed The Fighter last year, Warrior is a must. In fact, I would even say that Warrior is even better than The Fighter (or if not better at least as good).
But let’s focus on what makes Warrior so great.
1. Powerful Performances
If you didn’t know Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton until now, trust me, you’ll know who they are from now on. And get ready to start seeing a whole lot more of them. These two give such powerful performances, it’s hard not to be completely mesmerized while watching them.
As for their physical transformation, it’s quite awe-inspiring and gives the film a level of realism that makes it that much more riveting.
But I also want to talk about the performance that touched me the most and that would be Nick Nolte’s. It of course shouldn’t come as a surprise that Nick Nolte gives a good performance, but I think this is one of his best, and I can only expect he will be winning some awards for it (or at least get nominated).
It’s not everyday that an actor can touch you in such a way that you are left on the edge of your seat fully absorbed into their character’s storyline, but that’s exactly what Nick Nolte does here. One of the most powerful and gripping performances for me this year.
2. Sick Fight Scenes
If you like watching fights or are a fan of MMA, you’re going to love the fight scenes in this film. These guys are monsters! I swear it’s awesome, I felt like a little kid watching this.
3. A Touching Story
Warrior is not just about fighting for the sake of fighting, there is a really beautiful story driving these characters. The fight is only the backdrop to an exploration of family bonds, determination and forgiveness.
I cannot say enough good things about Warrior. It really touched me and to this day whenever I see a billboard for it, I get moved remembering how good it was. If I have the chance I’ll absolutely go see it again.
Warrior comes out to theaters today, September 9th. Make sure you don’t miss it and tell your friends!
You can watch the trailer here.