Hidden Gems: Review Of "Warrior" | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post

Hidden Gems: Review Of "Warrior"

Giving love to some movies that deserved a little bit more

12
Hidden Gems: Review Of "Warrior"
https://www.youtube.com

With the big main stream attention the UFC has received with the impending Mcgregor-Mayweather fight I saw it only fitting to review the only MMA movie I've ever seen, Warrior. This review will also start a trend of reviews I've been wanting to do for a long time where I get to review movies I consider hidden gems. These could be good movies that didn’t even make up their budget (like Warrior), movies I disagreed with the general consensus on or movies you just may have never even heard of before, and they deserve more love. So without further ado let’s take a look at the 2011 sports drama Warrior.

Sports film can always be complicated to make because of how often cliché and predictable they are, but Warrior stands out by throwing that out the window in its story. Its main conflict is the story of two estranged brothers who both wind up in a MMA tournament for a cash prize that both of them desperately need for their own personal reasons, all the while their recovering father tries to make amends with them as well. It’s a story that instead of giving us one person or one team to cheer for we have several different people we want to win in not only their external conflicts but internal as well.

One thing that really pleased me with this movie is that like other great sports movies before it, much more was done well here than just giving great fighting scenes. Warrior’s writing and performances are nothing less than spectacular. The two lead actors here are Joel Edgerton and Tom Hardy, and you can just feel their passion and emotion in almost every line. Especially when we finally do get our one scene between the estranged brothers in the second act of the film. It’s a beautiful scene that is incredibly well shot and feels real with the dialogue and delivery between the two. Nick Nolte as their father also puts on a strong supporting performance as their father and to be honest he almost brought me to tears.

The film also delivers on its fight scenes, that can vary from seeing brutal punches to incredible submissions. This is not so surprising though considering the film has several professional MMA fighters in cameo roles in the film like Anthony Johnson and Nate Marquardt. I also learned from watching the making of the film that famous MMA trainer Greg Jackson was consulted on the film and its fighters.

Now I wouldn’t go as far to say this film is a Rocky or a Raging Bull when it comes to greatness, as some things do hold it back for me. An example is its ambiguous ending which annoyed me a little as it didn’t give exactly the closure on the characters I wanted. Also the story does have a few fights in it that follow a certain pattern that seem unrealistic even though they are still fun to watch.

It really surprises me Warrior didn’t even break even with its budget. Maybe it was due to lack of star power at the time (as Tom Hardy is big now) or just a lack of good marketing from Lionsgate. But it certainly is a film I think anyone especially fight fans can enjoy.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

178079
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

5238
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

451167
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

22586
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments