To say this film was about brothers competing to win a championship would be true, but of course, the story is much more complicated than the trailers would lead you to believe. As the stories of this family unfold, it quickly becomes not about the championship, but about their relationship. Director Gavin O’Connor, who also co-wrote and co-produced Warrior, manages to tell a story of a family that is complicated and messy but ultimately hopeful. More often then not, sports movies focus on one side of the struggle: the underdog player, the underdog team, etc. However, in this film, we get to see all sides, and in many ways, each are an underdog.
Each character has an incredible level of depth and that was brought wonderfully to screen by the actors. Tom Hardy (Inception, Bronson) is scary good as Tommy Conlon, the quiet war vet, coming out of nowhere to crush every opponent. His dialogue is minimal, yet he his able to convey a deep level of emotion in every scene. It’s easy to see his brewing anger and vulnerability even as he drinks a cup of coffee.
The only other film I’d seen Joel Edgerton in was Smokin’ Aces. He played the dim-witted Russian bodyguard with a silly haircut. I was honestly surprised to see him in this, but he was perfectly cast as Brendan, the father and high school teacher. He was just as comfortable playing with his children as he was fighting in the ring. Brendan’s wife, Tess, (Jennifer Morrison, Fox’s House M.D.) was herself a complex character and added a lot of value to the scenes with him. Their relationship was a cornerstone of the storyline.
Joel Edgerton (left) stars as 'Brendan' in WARRIOR. Photo credit: Chuck Zlotnick
film). They can be used rather well, but with Warrior, the intensity builds slowly and I found it to be much more rewarding. Sure there are intense moments, but they are not meant as a single occurrence, but are actually key parts of the film.
Having directed the 2003 HBO documentary on a fighter in the MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) titled, The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Mark Kerr, Gavin O’Connor captured an amazingly realistic view of the fighting. Not that I am an authority whatsoever, but during the fight scenes, I found myself almost shifting in my seat to get a better look. To me, that’s the ultimate level of realism. Although the film uses MMA as the sports backdrop, the film appeals to the same audience as any other sports film would. Overcoming against all odds works in even the most unlikeliest of sports.
The pace was very smooth and deliberate, so it does not seem like two hours. The film has a wide appeal and although it’s heavy on action, it really has a enjoyable drama that will satisfy all audiences.
Opens in wide release on September 9, 2011 by Lionsgate, Rated PG-13, 139 minutes. http://www.warriorfilm.com
Rating: Great fight scenes, great drama, non-typical story. 8/10
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