Warrior (2011)
Brief review: Much like last year's "The Fighter", Gavin O'Connor's "Warrior" spends more time focusing on the dramatic elements rather than the action, and this is where the movie really succeeds. Although the story feels rush at times, it's the fantastically-written script that makes the movie as compelling, honest and emotional as it is. The connection between the characters is intricate, yet believable, and each and every one of them is wonderfully-portrayed. Joel Edgerton gives his best performance to date as the calm, yet determined teacher-turned-fighter Brendan, Tom "Handsome" Hardy delivers an amazingly convincing performance as the troubled and aggressive Tommy Conlon, also dedicated to fighting, and the iconic Nick Nolte turns in an exceptional supporting performance as the ex-drunk father and trainer, Paddy. Gavin O'Connor's excellent hand-held camera technique and gritty cinematography add visual authenticity to the film, and make it seems as realistic as possible. The MMA bouts in the second half of the movie are nothing short of thrilling, and the fight scenes themselves, while harsh and brutal, are extremely skilfully-shot and and professionally-executed, and the training sequences are just as entertaining to watch.
Overall summary: Sure, it's formulaic and rather far-fetched, but "Warrior"'s solid direction, powerful performances and strong storytelling make up for the lack of originality, plus, the film has as much heart as violence, and packs a big emotional and dramatic punch at the end.
Overall summary: Sure, it's formulaic and rather far-fetched, but "Warrior"'s solid direction, powerful performances and strong storytelling make up for the lack of originality, plus, the film has as much heart as violence, and packs a big emotional and dramatic punch at the end.
After reading this review, if you feel like you need to watch "Warrior" to get your own opinion on it, then you can catch it through Netflix in the US or LOVEFiLM in the UK. Join a free trial and watch free movies online.
20 comments:
The guys look hot.
Cool review George. I enjoyed this one too.
Michael, definitely!
Thanks, Ricky. Yes, there was a lot to be enjoyed here. :)
Didn't see this one in the theater, but will watch on NetFlix.
Alex, I didn't see it in the theater either. Give it a shot, I think you'll love it.
Good review George, it sounds like you thoroughly enjoyed it.
I really wanted to see it but missed it when it was at the cinema so I'll need to wait til it gets released on DVD here but I am glad to hear that it delivered.
I never saw The Fighter, was there a big difference between the two film, aside from the actual sport?
Thank you, Russel. Yes, I did enjoy it, though "The Fighter" remains the best of the two. It's a stronger and much more accomplished film.
This one I want to see. Thanks for an encouraging review.
farawayeyes, I hope you'll enjoy it. ;) Thanks for the comment.
Great review! I've been hemming and hawing over this one. Sports films in general tend to be formulaic, always with an athlete facing incredible personal odds to win that game/bout/medal and triumphing in the end blah, blah,blah...Snore.
My preferred sports films tend to be more like Brian's Song, about the athletes themselves with the sport as a side dish and no championship on the line. The exception being Miracle. Still, I might check this out on Blu-ray since I scored a huge deal on one at the Black Friday sales. Yay!!! LOL, just sharing my simple joys with you, my friend ;)
Thanks, hon. :) Well, this one was made by "Miracle"'s director, so I think you'll like it as well. Not as good as "Fighter", but almost on par with it. I'm always glad when you share joys with me, sweetheart. :)
I heard this was really good and I value your opinion and recommendation so that confirms I will see it once it's out on DVD. Being that it was pretty much as good as The Fighter then of course I will see it even if it has similarities. For some reason in this case it doesn't bother me. Great Review!
Oh goodness, I just realized I didn't sign in so the last comment made was probably me... sorry. lol However, when I signed in it instantly logged me in so it might have caught it. So in that case nevermind. haha
Nicole, it was really good, though not as good as "The Fighter". They are not so similar, so you won't have a problem with that. Check it out and let me know what you thought of it. ;)
Nicole, don't worry about it. I love every single comment from you so.. ;)
This is one of the films, along with Inception, that put Hardy on the map. He's a brilliant actor. Can't wait for his upcoming spy movie.
Maurice, Hardy is a great actor indeed. I've seen most of his movies and I have to say he never fails to deliver.
I really liked this film a lot, mostly for its "heart & soul" element like you've mentioned. I'd a higher opinion of this view especially towards the end where I felt like I was knocked out by the film!
J-Son, I know you did. I loved it as well, but it was too by-the-numbers that's why I didn't give it a higher rating. Loved the performances and the emotional story of the two brothers.
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