Review of the film “Warrior”

Film "Warrior" – a true surprise. An effective, mostly truthful look at brotherhood, fatherhood and redemption. Without being cynical or sluggish, the film finds its sweet spot within an almost impossible concept.

Writer/director Gavin O'Connor managed to breathe a piece of soul into a seemingly ordinary idea. Unlike his previous work, the film “Pride and Glory” (Pride and Glory), in “Warrior” conventions are not forgotten, but brought to the fore. In addition, the script takes place in places expected for the viewer, but they are completely devoid of boring moments.

At the center of the events is the story of two brothers and a father living in different worlds. Brendan Conlon (Joel Edgerton) is presented as a respected family man, a teacher who is loved by everyone at the high school. Tommy (Tom Hardy), the younger brother, is mysterious at first, but clearly unpredictable and full of emotional wounds. Father Paddy Conlon (Nick Nolte) is an exhausted old man living in remorse and leaning on his newfound sobriety. First, we are briefly shown moments of cozy country life Brendan and a not so comfortable life Tommy in Pittsburgh. Their worlds collide when it comes to a mixed martial arts (MMA) tournament.

Tommy needs a coach, so he enlists the help of a man for whom he has no feelings other than anger - his father. Brendan needs money, so, without receiving approval from his wife (Jennifer Morrison), he also decides to take part in the tournament.

It's hard not to roll your eyes as the conflict unfolds. It all sounds corny, contrived, and like so many sports movies, we've seen it all before. And although the film includes the trappings inherent in the genre, it is shot with the necessary amount of grace. O'Connor does not get hung up on high testosterone levels, but on the contrary, is looking for something deeper and more meaningful.

Review of the film “Warrior”

Speaking of “machismo,” it’s surprising how little glamor the director adds to the scenes MMA-fights. Mix fight It's a brutal and scary sport, and seeing the carnage between two brothers only adds to the brutality of the event. The fact that O'Connor and his video editors managed to perfectly present the ascent Tommy и Brendan up the rankings is a real achievement, especially at a time when “training episodes” have become almost self-parody. Of course, as soon as the case comes to a close, all attention is focused on the cruel drama of the situation.

The more blows they throw Tommy и Brendan, the more intense and unpredictable the battle becomes. Tommy - an emotional “bugai”, possessing a power that he cannot control, full of unrelenting anger and grave grievances. Brendan is more rational and doesn't have time to constantly think about how unfair the world is to him.

It's all played out Edgerton и Hardy with the greatest self-control. Without much chatter, they allow the audience to literally get inside their heads. Tommy - a character whose behavior is questionable at times, but thanks to Hardy he evokes understanding and genuine sympathy, despite his fictitious past. Brendan tries to help his family, so the job of a school teacher is not just casual income. These are people who “capture” the viewer’s attention in a good sense of the word, and when the conflict between the brothers comes to an end, it gives a feeling of satisfaction and completion.

Author: Jack Giraud
Source: thefilmstage.com
Translation: EvilDollaR

15 comments

    Author's gravatar

    I finished watching it about 15 minutes ago... In general, I agree with the review, but on my own behalf I will say that I haven’t experienced such a powerful emotional impact of the film and tension while watching for a long time! The film is certainly not about martial arts, that’s secondary. Primary is the tragedy of the main characters, and not just anyone, but the father and two siblings. You don’t really pay much attention to the staging and execution of the fights (although they are choreographed and performed well), but you worry more about the denouement, which, in principle, is generally clear almost immediately, but... You still experience increasing emotional tension as it gets closer to the final. I give it 10 out of 10. It's a shame that the film failed at the box office, although judging by some data, it fell slightly short of the budget, perhaps the release on DVD/BD will brighten up this absurdity a little. At least I will license this film.

    PS Serbin's translation is simply awesome, I highly recommend it!

    Author's gravatar

    I really liked the film!!! It’s been a long time since they made such good films that combined martial arts and drama, and in general where it would be interesting to wait for a fight!!! which would be captivating, even though it takes 2,5 hours!!!

    Author's gravatar

    Will there be a translation?

    Author's gravatar

    Folks, who knows when the film will appear?

      Author's gravatar

      There is no translation. But the film failed at the box office.

    Author's gravatar

    Lionsgate Entertainment today announced that it could lose $40-$50 million due to poor box office performance for Warrior, Conan the Barbarian and Abduction. Such are the things.

    Author's gravatar

    When will the film be online?

    Author's gravatar

    EvilDollaR, according to the description and actors in the photo.
    I appreciate films with BI for the fights and charisma of the actors... in this case this is not the case...

    Author's gravatar

    I also don’t understand why it’s clear that it’s UG???
    It seems to me the other way around...

    Author's gravatar

    oh you can see the movie right away

    Can you see it from the poster, the trailer, or the review?

    Author's gravatar

    oh you can see the movie right away

    Author's gravatar

    I’ve been waiting for a long time too. Let me know when it appears!

      Author's gravatar

      There will be a premiere on September 9th, and then we’ll wait and see.

    Author's gravatar

    The movie will be great!! I've been waiting for who knows how long)))

    Author's gravatar

    I don’t like to translate reviews stuffed with abstract comparisons, but this time I made an exception, since the film is most likely good.

    PS Dark Samurai, after the release I would like to read your review, if you don’t mind. I could even publish it on the website.

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