Today I want to take you back to 2011, before we had any idea of the monster success that The Avengers was going to be, and when we all had enough of people saying 2012 was going to be the end of the world! Looking back, 2011 was a simpler time, a less hectic time for film, when most of these actors were just no-name little talents. We had Warrior, directed by: Gavin O’ Connor, and staring Tom Hardy, Nick Nolte, and Joel Edgerton.
Let's just cut to the chase. Warrior is an outstanding film! There aren't many films, that have great action *que MMA fighting scenes* and such an emotional core at the same time. It takes a lot for me to cry and I have to be honest: this film had me in tears like a little baby at the end! Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton give amazing performances and you really get the feel that they are estranged brothers. They made you believe the baggage they had.
Tom Hardy plays Tommy and does an amazing job of balancing the rage and strength he has, but also his weakness too. He is like a little boy stuck in a monster of a man. His brother is played by Joel Edgerton. Joel also does a great job in this movie. You buy the fact that he is a family man, but when he gets in the cage, you also appreciate the calculated fighter he portrays. Another noteworthy performance from the film is Nick Nolte. He is probably the most well-known actor in this movie. Nick plays a broken man constantly getting a verbal beating from his two sons. You feel for him as he tries to be a better person after years of being a terrible father. Throughout the film, he plays an old withered man so well that when you finally see him lose his cool, you can see how he would've been before his transformation.
The main reason I chose to review this film is because not many people have seen this movie, which is a darn shame! The cinematography is absolutely beautiful, and the themes of family and redemption are pulled off quite nicely. This could easily be one of my favorite films; I see it about five to ten times in a year, and it never gets old. This, in my humble opinion, is the Rocky of MMA movies.
If you're new to my rating methods, I will now break down how "sick" this movie is.
1. "Pass this film": Never see this movie, even if your life depends on it!
2. "Guilty pleasure": This movie is fun or entertaining, but not necessarily a good movie.
3. "Redbox it": Good, but not worth spending money at the theaters.
4. "Buy it on Blu-ray": Really good movie and worth seeing in theaters if you get the chance!
5. "Get in line now!": Watch this movie as soon as possible, get in line at the theater, or immediately buy it on Blu-ray or DVD. You have to see this movie!
So how sick is Warrior? I give it a "Buy it on Blu-ray." I want to save the highest rating for the best of the best, but trust me this movie is a good one! See this movie, if you have the chance!
