FILM REVIEW: WARRIOR
Review By Duncan McLeod
Director: Gavin O’Connor
Cast: Joel Edgerton, Tom Hardy, Jennifer Morrison, Nick Nolte
Synopsis: Rising stars Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton command the screen as two estranged brothers facing the fight of a lifetime in Lionsgate’s WARRIOR, a moving, inspirational action drama from acclaimed director Gavin O’Connor (MIRACLE). Haunted by a tragic past, ex-Marine Tommy Conlon (Hardy) returns home for the first time in fourteen years to enlist the help of his father (Nick Nolte) to train for SPARTA, the biggest winner-takes-all event in mixed martial arts history. A former wrestling prodigy, Tommy blazes a path toward the championship while his brother, Brendan (Edgerton), an ex-fighter-turned teacher, returns to the ring in a desperate bid to save his family from financial ruin. But when Brendan’s unlikely, underdog rise sets him on a collision course with the unstoppable Tommy, the two brothers must finally confront each other and the forces that pulled them apart, facing off in the most soaring, soul stirring, and unforgettable climax that must be seen to be believed. A rousing ode to redemption, reconciliation and the power of the human spirit, WARRIOR is also a moving testament to the enduring bonds of family.
Review: Joel Edgerton’s has been enjoying a steady rise in popularity in Hollywood for a couple of years now. WARRIOR, opposite Tom Hardy and Nick Nolte will find him blinded by the spotlight. Edgerton deserves all the praise and Oscar talk that is currently being heaped upon him. His powerful physical performance breaks new ground in his acting vocabulary and this is complemented superbly by the gravitas of Nolte and the energy and charisma that Hardy injects into the film. Hardy channels BRONSON here and totally embraces his seething role. Hardy plays the angst brother well and looks physically worlds away from his role in INCEPTION. The relationship between Tommy and Paddy (Nolte) was well handled. These two characters had common ground. Brendan (Edgerton) and Paddy were estranged, as were he and Tommy. Tommy has a chip on his shoulder that colours his every move. The audience is acutely aware of this from the moment we look in his eyes. Hardy is able to create an intensely emotional mood merely by his mannerisms. This is great to witness.
The relationship Paddy has with his sons is difficult. This makes for memorable dramatic tension in the final moments of the film. Nolte’s performance might be akin to Rourke’s in THE WRESTLER as both characters show similarities in terms of their desire for redemption and yearning for the “good old days”. WARRIOR may indeed be Nolte’s greatest, yet most understated performance.
Comparisons are undoubtedly drawn to THE FIGHTER. That film made a point of encompassing the drama of both men and women. Whilst there was an element of female angst in WARRIOR, it was very much male centric. The story was about 2 brothers and a father, and that’s all. At some 130 minutes it was loaded with enough energy to avoid being complicated and adhering to this testosterone triangle was a wise choice.
Here co-writer and director Gavin O’Connor has maintained the gritty realism he cultivated in PRIDE & GLORY. The film is framed well and the use of music is a powerful tool, not however in the obligatory use of horns to sound victory but in the decision to underscore the final scenes with a lyrical track.
WARRIOR has managed to turn this this seemingly brutal form of entertainment into a cinematic masterpiece. Perhaps we have found the new ROCKY. If it doesn’t get an Oscar nom inaction then it sure as hell should have been a contender.
MS. PRIMATE’S PERSPECTIVE: At first I had my reservations about this film, not really one for ‘fighting’ movies, but if you read nothing more, please be aware that this movie is well beyond a standard fighting flick. WARRIOR not only has some powerful and cringe worthy fight scenes; it also has so much emotion with a heartfelt storyline it will bring you to tears (even some of the men in the audience so make sure you pack your Kleenex).
Both Edgerton and Hardy’s characters will have you on the edge of your seat with stellar performances both in and out of the cage. BUT mention must be made of the support actors as well; Nick Nolte’s (Paddy Conlon) shows us just how a supporting actor can steal a scene with a single look, or a tear on a cheek and Jennifer Morrison (Tess Conlon) works well with Edgerton as husband and wife (finally an on screen couple that actually look like they are together).
At the end of a movie to see a audience give a standing ovation while wiping tears from their eyes, what else can I say ladies do not miss this one!
RATING: *****
BLACK CARPET INTERVIEW WITH JOEL EDGERTON:
Missed this one in the theater so it’s something to look forward to on the DVD.
“WARRIOR may indeed be Nolte’s greatest, yet most understated performance.”That’s a bold statement considering he’s been in a good fifty or 60 movies and 20 or so tv productions. My interest is piqued.