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Reviewed by Chris McEneany, 15th January 2012.
Soul of a Lion.
Warrior has some challenges to overcome with a cliché-riddled story but, spectacularly, it just seems to plough ever-onwards, absorbing them if necessary, or simply disregarding them with the sort of rambunctious abandon that I find very applaudable. The film instinctively knows that its success rests on the capable shoulders of its three leads and, without a single faltering step, all three come out fighting. Although we root for both Brendan and Tommy, there are no real surprises come the final round. Yet this does not harm the emotional pummelling that we, as well as the brawling brothers, take … and much of the joy is to be found in the sure-fire knowledge that these two will end up going toe-to-toe.
Although the film is indeed watered-down in terms of the more feral qualities of MMA, the fights are tremendously exciting and certainly punishing enough to convey the honed prowess and athleticism of those going toe-to-toe. The careful choice of music is another major bonus linking us directly to the emotional core of the story and, come the final round, you'll be totally swept-up in the exquisite agonies of two battling brothers and a father whose own pride has locked him into a cocoon. Whether you watch this for the action or to discover the dark essence of a family at war with itself, there is genuine heart and soul wielded throughout, and its effect could hit home like a thunderclap.
Lionsgate provide an often storming transfer for O' Connor's knock-out movie, and the extras are very definitely worth wading through. This is one of the best films of 2011 and, like Drive, it climbs into your skull and stays there. It's far from perfect, but it offers a thrilling and genuinely cathartic experience, the like of which we don't get all that often.
For Sparta!!!!
Read the full review...
Soul of a Lion.
Warrior has some challenges to overcome with a cliché-riddled story but, spectacularly, it just seems to plough ever-onwards, absorbing them if necessary, or simply disregarding them with the sort of rambunctious abandon that I find very applaudable. The film instinctively knows that its success rests on the capable shoulders of its three leads and, without a single faltering step, all three come out fighting. Although we root for both Brendan and Tommy, there are no real surprises come the final round. Yet this does not harm the emotional pummelling that we, as well as the brawling brothers, take … and much of the joy is to be found in the sure-fire knowledge that these two will end up going toe-to-toe.
Although the film is indeed watered-down in terms of the more feral qualities of MMA, the fights are tremendously exciting and certainly punishing enough to convey the honed prowess and athleticism of those going toe-to-toe. The careful choice of music is another major bonus linking us directly to the emotional core of the story and, come the final round, you'll be totally swept-up in the exquisite agonies of two battling brothers and a father whose own pride has locked him into a cocoon. Whether you watch this for the action or to discover the dark essence of a family at war with itself, there is genuine heart and soul wielded throughout, and its effect could hit home like a thunderclap.
Lionsgate provide an often storming transfer for O' Connor's knock-out movie, and the extras are very definitely worth wading through. This is one of the best films of 2011 and, like Drive, it climbs into your skull and stays there. It's far from perfect, but it offers a thrilling and genuinely cathartic experience, the like of which we don't get all that often.
For Sparta!!!!
Read the full review...