Warrior

Release Date: Sep 09, 2011 

Runtime: 2 hr. 19 min.

Director: Gavin O'Connor 

Cast: Joel Edgerton, Tom Hardy, Jennifer Morrison, Frank Grillo, Nick Nolte. 

From the director of “Miracle” comes another inspirational story of overcoming obstacles and defeating the odds. Joel Edgerton and Tom Hardy play estranged brothers from different sides of the track. While one struggles to support his family, the other seeks means of escape from a haunted past, and coincidentally, find themselves on a parallel path to the championship tournament of mixed martial arts. In the same vein as “The Fighter,” O’Connor delivers a solid portrait of combat that goes beyond the ring, or in this case the octagon. During a time when award season is in full swing, “Warrior” proves to be no exception, and bests that of “The Fighter” and many sport sagas before it through sheer emotion. Edgerton and Hardy both deliver powerful performances that will certainly earn praise, but it’s Hardy who gets the upper hand with his brute force and raw determination. For his supporting role, Nick Nolte is a sure bet, with his battered ego and heartfelt remorse. His scenes are nothing short of heart wrenching, if not moving, when he’s biding for acceptance from his sons. Clocking in at over two hours, the film is slow-moving in the first half to build upon the backstories that are required for general purposes. But it’s this concentration on development that heavily benefits the characters in the end, and evokes sympathy for each of the individuals that are fighting for a cause. The interweaving of side elements seem random at times, maybe due to hasty editing, but the result is more or less expected. Though there can only be one winner, it’s difficult to choose a side when both are so deserving of the ultimate prize: redemption. Be sure to have your emotions in check at the door. Even grown men can shed a tear.

Rating: 4 stars