Often in sports and boxing films the on screen action is much more exciting than in real life. The same is true in Warrior, the choreography of the fight sequences are exciting and thrilling, a far cry from the real thing. I have occassionally came upon Ultimate Cage Fighting when channel hopping but within a few seconds the two fighters are hugging each other on the deck of the ring and boredom quickly sets in. Warrior is not just all about muscle bound animals pounding the snot out of each other. It deals with forgiveness, atonement, the bonds of family and many other themes within the gritty and high testoterone world of mixed martial arts entertainment. Two estranged brothers, played by Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton, enter the same winner takes all competition and a collison course is set for a final and emotional show down. Nick Nolte brilliantly plays the ex-alcoholic father trying to reconnect with his sons and atone for his past trangressions. He cuts a desperate, sometimes pathetic figure, trying to reach out to his sons but being denied the redemption he so deeply wants and needs. He really deserved the Oscar nomiation for this role. Rising star Tom Hardy is also excellent as the vulnerable and troubled ex-marine who batters his way through everything in his way with an animalistic rage. Joel Edgerton brings an everyman dimension to his role, a teacher who is in deep financial trouble and returns to the ring as the underdog to provide for his family. That the two brothers are coming from different directions and have a history of unresolved issues is really effective and makes the story more interesting and emotive. The fight sequences are very well choreographed and the director is careful not to peak too early, building up the tension and allowing for a dynamic climax. The script is solid and realistic, giving each character room for development and expression. So if one evening you are flicking through the tv channels and you have to choose between watching Warrior or Ultimate Cage Fighting, put your money on the former. 8/10
Sunday 8 April 2012
Warrior
Often in sports and boxing films the on screen action is much more exciting than in real life. The same is true in Warrior, the choreography of the fight sequences are exciting and thrilling, a far cry from the real thing. I have occassionally came upon Ultimate Cage Fighting when channel hopping but within a few seconds the two fighters are hugging each other on the deck of the ring and boredom quickly sets in. Warrior is not just all about muscle bound animals pounding the snot out of each other. It deals with forgiveness, atonement, the bonds of family and many other themes within the gritty and high testoterone world of mixed martial arts entertainment. Two estranged brothers, played by Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton, enter the same winner takes all competition and a collison course is set for a final and emotional show down. Nick Nolte brilliantly plays the ex-alcoholic father trying to reconnect with his sons and atone for his past trangressions. He cuts a desperate, sometimes pathetic figure, trying to reach out to his sons but being denied the redemption he so deeply wants and needs. He really deserved the Oscar nomiation for this role. Rising star Tom Hardy is also excellent as the vulnerable and troubled ex-marine who batters his way through everything in his way with an animalistic rage. Joel Edgerton brings an everyman dimension to his role, a teacher who is in deep financial trouble and returns to the ring as the underdog to provide for his family. That the two brothers are coming from different directions and have a history of unresolved issues is really effective and makes the story more interesting and emotive. The fight sequences are very well choreographed and the director is careful not to peak too early, building up the tension and allowing for a dynamic climax. The script is solid and realistic, giving each character room for development and expression. So if one evening you are flicking through the tv channels and you have to choose between watching Warrior or Ultimate Cage Fighting, put your money on the former. 8/10
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