On the 20th September 2011, I attended the Warrior special screening at TGV KLCC all thanks to Churp Churp for the wonderful opportunity for me to watch this movie.
Cast: Joel Edgerton, Tom Hardy, Jennifer Morrison, Frank Grillo
Crew: Gavin O'Connor (Director), Anthony Tambakis & Cliff Dorfman (Screenplay)
The synopsis:
Rising stars Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton command the screen as two estranged brothers facing the fight of a lifetime in Lionsgate‘s WARRIOR, a moving, inspirational action drama from acclaimed director Gavin O‘Connor (Miracle).
Haunted by a tragic past, Marine Tommy Conlon (Hardy) returns home for the first time in fourteen years to enlist the help of his father (Nick Nolte) to train for Sparta, the biggest winner-takes-all event in mixed martial arts history. A former wrestling prodigy, Tommy blazes a path toward the championship while his brother, Brendan (Edgerton), an ex-fighter-turned teacher, returns to the ring in a desperate bid to save his family from financial ruin. But when Brendan‘s unlikely, underdog rise sets him on a collision course with the unstoppable Tommy, the two brothers must finally confront each other and the forces that pulled them apart, facing off in the most soaring, soul stirring, and unforgettable climax that must be seen to be believed.
A rousing ode to redemption, reconciliation and the power of the human spirit, WARRIOR is also a moving testament to the enduring bonds of family. WARRIOR stars Tom Hardy (the upcoming The Dark Knight Rises, Inception, Black Hawk Down), Joel Edgerton (Animal Kingdom, Star Wars: Episode III), Jennifer Morrison ("House", Star Trek) and Nick Nolte (Tropic Thunder, The Thin Red Line). The film is directed by Gavin O'Connor; screenplay by Gavin O‘Connor & Anthony Tambakis & Cliff Dorman and story by Gavin O'Connor & Cliff Dorfman.
I think some of you might have noticed that the actor that played as Tommy Conlon had actually acted in the multi-award winning movie "Inception' (he didn't look that muscular in that movie compared to this) and from what I've heard and discovered, he also played as Bane (villain) for the upcoming "The Dark Knight Rises". He's becoming one of the Hollywood's most sought after actors and sooner or later I think he'll become very well known in the movie industry.
The director, Gavin O'Connor who is also the screenwriter, story by and producer for this movie has a great passion for directing movies with a lot of emotional and dramatic scenes. In his past work, he directed a short film "The Bet" and other films like "Tumbleweeds", "Miracle" and "Pride and Glory". Those few movies are the example of his style and why the first hour of this movie was constantly talking about broken relationships and heart breaking moments before the real action comes in…
My verdict:
Back to the movie, Brendan Conlon which has the better nature of technique while his younger brother has the advantage of strength in bashing the opponents had to brawl in the final round of the international tournament "Sparta". I think that they might have dragged a little too long in the front part and I only get to realized that they actually are brothers after 15 minutes of the movie. There was a lot of things going on in the past that the three of the men would not forgive each other for their wrong doings. Technical wise, some of the fighting scenes were done too close and audience might be confused especially at the submission part. I thought that Koba was locking Brendan but Koba tapped out and gave Brendan the victory. Some might agree that the director might want to show more of the fighter's expression but not every close up scene works in every fighting actions.
Koba, the no.1 most rated contestant for the Sparta who actually the Olympic champion in wrestling for USA played as the Russian fighter. He used to embraced USA with his gold medals hung on his neck but it's just funny to see him representing Russia with the Russian theme song as he enters the ring…
My rating:
This is not a typical martial art fighting movie…. so I'm gonna give 3/5! :D
It's good to watch but not necessary have to watch it in the cinema. By the way, the director of photography did a really good job. All the pictures above are very well taken! Bravo!
P/S: This movie once again have boost my spirit to once again to pick up martial arts again (after the Mayhem 2 event in Sunway Pyramid). Kick boxing / Muay Thai anyone? Haha…
.: Peace Out :.
Nice movie review. Ya, you're right, I was a bit confused by some of the fight scenes too. But I enjoyed the interaction scenes with their father. The actor was very good in portraying his sense of regret and pain and desire for his sons to forgive him =)
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