On Friday, Sept. 9 the major film Warrior will hit theatres across the nation. The MMA-based movie that has had fans teeming with anticipation is almost officially here. However, there were special screenings on Sunday, Sept. 4, giving the public an opportunity to watch the film five days in advance.
Warrior is an action/drama film that tells the tale of a family torn apart by alcoholism and a complicated and troubled past. The cast consists of the likes of Joel Edgerton, Nick Nolte and Inception and Dark Knight Rises star Tom Hardy. From the director of Miracle, this film approached the rising sport of MMA in a more storytelling fashion.
The story flourishes immediately and paints the pictures of two brothers and their relationships with their father. In contrast to other fighting films, the draw of this movie does not come from lengthy action scenes with unbelievable physics and abilities.
Warrior is exceptional to MMA fans, since the movie is clearly standing on a great foundation. MMA knowledge is present and, with sponsorship of TapouT throughout the movie, the sport portrayed in the film is the sport we have come to love.
The acting is excellent in the film, and the musical accompaniment adds an atmosphere worthy of such pinnacle moments in life and assists drama to its full potential. The mix of everything put together makes for an exceptional emotional experience that speaks true to MMA fighters and fans alike.
Viewers will be satisfied to know that this is no Never Back Down. This focuses on the true glam, grime and grit of the sport, but keeps focus on the people that are involved in it. A goal that was achieved in this film was the aspect that not all MMA fighters are bloodthirsty savages, but rather normal people.
In criticism that Dana White, the Fertitta brothers and Marc Ratner have faced, the common negative connotation with MMA is that it resembles cockfighting. Warrior did not fall short of portraying two individuals from different walks of life, and showing their humanity.
There are some familiar faces in the film, hailing from the professional organizations fans watch, and all add to a sense of familiarity and overall credibility.
The most important aspect of this film is that it creates an awareness of what the sport really is. It is not about brawling circuits, or a kid that had to transfer high schools. This is not Supremacy MMA, this is Undisputed. The movie introduces non-MMA-educated people to the sport and shows two brothers that fight for their own causes and makes viewers reflect on what they fight for.
Although the film tells a compelling story, it is in no short supply of fantastic fighting action. In some scenes, the action is very fast-paced and is the only thing that comes close to being exaggerated. Not a significant spoiler, but there are no decision wins in the film. That said, sorry, there are no Canadian welterweights in the film. But seriously, the action remains technical and continues to be exciting throughout the film.
If you are a fan of MMA, then this movie is a must-see. With an excellent cast, gripping story, and overall fantastic film production; Warrior is sure to put up a fight in the box office. It is clear that this is no movie that just jumped on the MMA bandwagon, but rather is helping push it.
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