Scene Says: Grade: A
Lionsgate Films presents an award-worthy film with “Warrior,” an inspirational story written and directed by Gavin O’Connor (“Miracle,” “Pride of Glory”). The story follows two brothers who enter a mixed martial arts competition, fighting for the prize of $5 million.
Tom Hardy (“Inception”) and Joel Edgerton (“Smokin’ Aces”) are estranged brothers, Tommy and Brendan Conlon. Brendan is a Philadelphia schoolteacher trying to support his family and pay his mortgage on time. Desperate for money, he returns to professional fighting against his wife’s (Jennifer Morrison of “House”) wishes.
Meanwhile, Tommy is a soldier who has recently returned from war to his father’s (played by Nick Nolte) home. They father and son reunite, but their relationship is strictly focused on work. As this story unfolds, the viewer learns that the brothers haven’t spoken since they were teenagers, when their mother and father split up.
Hardy and Edgerton both give spectacular performances, but Nolte steals the show as a recovering alcoholic whose sons want nothing to do with him.
Forget about past movies that focus on a fight ring. “Warrior” offers a fresh new storyline on what it means to survive everyday struggles. O’Connor provides a plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat, unsure of how it will unfold. Everyone will have someone to root for, whether it is the teacher, the army boy, the father seeking redemption or the many other characters in the film that are affected by the brothers.
But, if truly nothing else, the film will get viewers familiar with Tom Hardy, set to appear in “The Dark Knight Rises” as a similarly mean and overly muscular man with a vendetta.
“Warrior” is a motivational film that makes the viewer think about what they are fighting for in their lives, and what they are hoping to achieve. What is so special about this movie is that it takes very current and real life situations and shows the possibilities of what may be in store tomorrow.
thescene@theeagleonline.com