Warrior Review

• 17th Feb 2012

Like a bone crunching, knee-breaking, arm-snapping attack out of nowhere Gavin O’Connor’s Warrior appeared on the scene back in September and quickly became one of last year’s sleeper hits. Even now, after subsequent viewings, it still boggles the mind how a film about brothers and sons, based around a mixed martial arts tournament could be this well made. Certainly, it’s not perfect (it runs about 20 minutes too long) but when it grips, it really attacks the viewer with a violent chokehold.

For those that have yet to witness any form of MMA tournament, be it via film or television events, might well be shocked at how aggressively hard hitting this sport is. At no moment during the action will you not wince or look away from the fisticuffs that unfold during the matches. These men are brutally violent during their matches and that only adds to the sense of physical realism during each of the MMA scenes. It is far from Hollywood action glamour and because of this, it rises above standard fight fare by pushing the boundaries of what the viewer is used to watching. Which brings me to Joel Edgerton and Tom Hardy, who both physically and emotionally throw themselves into their roles, quite literally at times.

Hardy, once again, proves himself to be Britain’s new golden boy in America. He is one of the few actors of this generation (possibly along with the late Heath Ledger) who is able to transcend their humble television roots and become an acting powerhouse. It is truly awe inspiring to see his progression over the last couple of years within films and he shows no sign of stopping.

Hardy’s Tommy is as hard hitting as his punches, which is evident early on as his bile-fuelled rage towards his now sober and estranged father (Nick Nolte in his best film in years) attacks the audience. You feel his pain, hatred and burning desire to prove to his father that he has amounted to something better then him. While Edgerton’s performance as struggling sibling Brendan, who is fighting to keep a roof over his family’s head, is just as engaging and powerful as the rest of the cast.

Nolte’s performance as Paddy Conlon shows a less maniacal side by focusing more on a subtle understated performance. Paddy is an old alcoholic and he embodies that both in his appearance (weathered face, unkempt appearance) and voice that transcends even the most embittered old drunk. It’s astonishing that one film could have so many stand-out performances that truly grip and captivate during its entire running time, but Warrior manages it with ease.

After Rocky, sports movies about the championing underdog became ten-a-penny. Very little of those that arrived on screen were little more then rehashes of better films or clichéd sequels to the originals. Honestly, ask yourself when was the last good (modern) underdog sports movie that garnered either critical or audience praise? Possibly Oscar friendly The Fighter, but that had more than its fair share of faults. Thankfully, director O’Connor is a dab hand at the emotive sports movie having already made ice hockey drama Miracle in 2004. Even his Edward Norton starring Pride and Glory contained sporting elements (this time in the form of American Football). Warrior is a truly heart wrenching piece of cinema and one which deserves the critical praise it received last year.

Being one of the two sports features to appear during 2011 this easily eclipses David O. Russell’s The Fighter. There is no denying both are well acted, but Warrior (much like its MMA roots) smashes the former release into tiny pieces. Warrior is a better written and more complex character piece about family than The Fighter. Grab some man-sized tissues and prepare to crumble, as this is one of the under-appreciated gems of last year.

Extras on the disc are light in number but are packed full of insightful information. Contained on both the Blu-ray and DVD editions are a collection of making of documentaries; first up is Redemption: Bringing Warrior To Life. This is followed by a scene-by-scene break down of the climatic fight entitled Brother Versus Brother: Anatomy of the Fight. This particular extra is a must for fans of the film, as it shows rough fight blocking with Hardy and Edgerton during pre-production.

Philosophy in Combat is the next documentary, this time focusing on the strategic elements behind a MMA fight. While A Tribute to Charles ‘Mask’ Lewis Jr is a look at the career of the late MMA promoter and his impact on mixed martial arts entertainment. Finally, the disc is topped off with a gag reel, a cast and crew audio commentary and a single deleted scene (with optional commentary from O’Connor). All in all this is a well produced release to a sleeper hit. Warrior is by far the best sports drama in years.

Warrior will be released on both DVD and double-play Blu-ray.

Dominic O’Brien