Mixed martial arts (MMA) is the fighting style of choice in the 21st century, it provides the level of aggression people need to be entertained by in the Internet age. Warrior then is a Rocky wannabe for our current generation, bulging its biceps and pounding the senses of sport-movie fans.
Gavin O'Connor (Miracle, Pride and Glory) directs and he is certainly a lesser-known name in the directors’ circle. Through this feature though he does show his capability of handling material and may go on to bigger projects in the future.
The film tells the story of an MMA tournament that has a prize fund of $5 million dollars. Two brothers separated when their parents divorce enter the contest not knowing they will be reunited through the winner takes all contest. Starring in the fight-fest is Tom Hardy who plays troubled former marine Tommy Conlon, he is fighting for a fallen comrades wife. Tommys’ brother Brendan is played by Australian tough guy Russell Crowe, sorry Joel Edgerton. Brendan needs the prize money in order to keep his family home. Supporting the brothers is Nick Nolte whose dishevelled face perfectly fits the role of the neglectful father, Paddy Conlon. The writers have really gone to town on the emotional back-story and the dvd comes with an American flag to wipe the tears away with.
Most sports films follow a similar formula and Warrior is certainly no different. It does however deliver this formula with more tenacity and interest than others, whilst unashamedly piling on the emotional baggage. The final scenes and the human elements of the tale are undeniably enjoyable, mixed in together with a rousing soundtrack and solid acting performances we are provided with a greased up macho-fest of solid proportions.
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