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Warrior - 22/9/2011 9:49:54 AM

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Brilliant - 22/9/2011 9:49:54 AM

jasonlittlewood

Posts: 3
Joined: 15/8/2008

Saw it last night. Film of the year for me. Great story, great action, and stunning performances. It's a must see. Better then The Fighter.

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Post #: 2

Amazing! - 22/9/2011 11:29:26 AM

Heisenberg

Posts: 14
Joined: 7/8/2011

The build up is superb, and you genuinely have no idea how it will end. Haven't been this engaged and emotionally invested in a movie in a very very long time. Tears down the face at the end kinda stuff for me.

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Post #: 3

Enter Ahab. - 22/9/2011 2:06:18 PM

Sway

Posts: 8878
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Albuquerque

Just back from seeing this and I'm still buzzing.

I'm still unsure as to whether it's a 4 or 5 star film though - for about 3/4 of the film I'd say it's a solid 4, which is pushed up to 5 in the last quarter when it really comes into its own. The fight scenes are insane.   Short, intense bursts with sweaty, powerful limbs flailing and throwing lightening kicks and punches faster than you can keep up with.

Hardy and his Himalayan sized shoulders is as you would expect - feral, edgy, intense and brilliant to watch. But I'd say it's really Joel Edgerton's film as his character Brendan balances out his current economic problems/family life with his darker past. It might be easier to heap your sympathy on Hardy's Tommy initially, but when it comes down to it I think Brendan, who has far more to lose, gains the deeper respect. Tommy it seems is out there to prove something to himself, to confront his past in a physical manner. Brendan is fighting to keep hold of what he already has, and thats where my sympathies lay.

**********SPOILERS *************

I was really pleased at the ending too - I was worried initially they were going to cop out and let Tommy win because he was the more ruthless and bulked of the two.   And then when his shoulder went, I thought Brendan's character was going to cop out by not fighting him properly. I was silently urging him to get stuck into Tommy knowing if the tables had been turned, Tommy wouldn't have given it a second thought.

The following is from a post I made in the other 'unoffical' thread and was in response to thetruth suggesting Tommy is the harder character to sympathise with.   Thought I may aswell add this part in here.

******SPOILERS*******

I don't think Tommy is a hard character to sympathise with at all - infact I think entirely the opposite, I think the majority of people will sympathise with him more. And I can understand why: broken home, alcoholic father, non-existent relationship with a brother who he believes betrayed him. He's a broken man, in a lot of pain, and that's very clear from the scenes with his father and the fight scenes.   But my thoughts are that he is out there trying to prove something to himself. He's physically fighting his dark past.

Whereas with Brendan, well, he could easily have gone down the same route dark path as his brother (and father) - drink, drugs, but he didn't, and he made something of himself through a lot of hard work. And now he's fighting to keep hold of what he's already achieved. It's too easy to look at the situation and think 'well he's got everything, why should we give him any sympathy?', but like I said in my original post, when Tommy joined the tournament he had nothing to lose.   Brendan had everything to lose.   But it was a case of damned if you do/damned if you don't - he could have lost everything had he not entered the tournament.   But equally, he was taking a huge risk by entering the tournament.   Perhaps sympathy is the incorrect term here, I think respect is more appropriate. Brendan commands my respect more so than Tommy.   But certainly Tommy's raw pain is a large driving force of the film and really makes the final scenes what they are.

< Message edited by Sway -- 23/9/2011 5:29:19 PM >

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Post #: 4

Actually Air Punched Nearly Applauded At End - 22/9/2011 4:11:34 PM

Bighousewill

Posts: 244
Joined: 5/12/2009

Thankfully this ugly sport here is not a focus and in no way glorified the focus is on our not ugly heroes. What this film has is two hero's to root for which will split your sympathies in half it's just such an amazing story gritty and at times will break your heart or have you on the edge or your seat the fights scenes are awesome. Nick Nolte deserves an Oscar for this Tom Hardy is brilliant darker than his brother but still worth rooting for and then there is the easier to root for brother also brilliantly acted with such nuance by Joel Edgerton. I actually punched the air no lie and I didn't read this review until after seeing the film. At the end I felt like standing up to applaud I did quietly to my self if only the actors could come out of the screen for an encore.

< Message edited by Bighousewill -- 23/9/2011 11:45:54 AM >

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RE: Actually Air Punched Nearly Applauded At End - 22/9/2011 6:06:50 PM

nhassell

Posts: 237
Joined: 23/8/2009

Saw this last Tursday (13th). Really enjoyed it. Better than The Fighter (just) and comes highly recommended from me.

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Post #: 6

Outstanding - 22/9/2011 6:19:54 PM

Nicky C

Posts: 548
Joined: 31/5/2006

Just got back from seeing it this afternoon. So gripping and emotionally real. You lock into the drama and when the fights come along they have real dramatic gravity. You care who wins and you care about everyone outside the cage that's effected. I'm going to give this movie serious word of mouth!

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Post #: 7

RE: Actually Air Punched Nearly Applauded At End - 23/9/2011 9:12:05 AM

Dead Mike

Posts: 47
Joined: 7/7/2011

quote:

First of all UFC and MMA is an ugly sport unlike boxing which is much more civilized but that's a matter of opinion.

It is a metter of opinion. Of which yours is ignorant & misinformed.

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Post #: 8

Enter Ahab - 23/9/2011 10:22:52 AM

Sway

Posts: 8878
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Albuquerque

quote:

ORIGINAL: Dead Mike

quote:

First of all UFC and MMA is an ugly sport unlike boxing which is much more civilized but that's a matter of opinion.

It is a metter of opinion. Of which yours is ignorant & misinformed.

< Message edited by Sway -- 23/9/2011 10:24:37 AM >

_____________________________

"I am not in danger, Skyler. I AM the danger! A guy opens his door and gets shot and you think that of me? No. I am the one who knocks!"

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Post #: 9

RE: Enter Ahab - 23/9/2011 11:50:47 AM

Bighousewill

Posts: 244
Joined: 5/12/2009

quote:

t is a metter of opinion. Of which yours is ignorant & misinformed.

Ooooh handbags at dawn okay iv'e deleted that statement from my mini review I was only basing my opinion on what I have seen of the sport but lets not detract from this excellent movie. Happy now?

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Post #: 10

RE: Enter Ahab - 23/9/2011 11:56:51 AM

Bighousewill

Posts: 244
Joined: 5/12/2009

Aw sorry dude I replied to the wrong person you weren't the one causing trouble soz mate.

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Post #: 11

RE: Enter Ahab - 23/9/2011 12:14:40 PM

adambatman82

Posts: 11156
Joined: 15/12/2005
From: Sheffield

I really liked the film, but couldn't help but feel like it let itself down in terms of how the fights were handled. It seemed like it always had the PG-13/12A rating in mind, and thats to the great detriment of the emotional impact of the fight sequences.

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Post #: 12

RE: Enter Ahab - 23/9/2011 1:17:00 PM

Filmfan 2

Posts: 972
Joined: 30/9/2005

Film of the year.

I saw this yesterday and was utterly absorbed from the opening frame. That first scene between Tom Hardy and Nick Nolte was superb, and it was the bar that the quality of the rest of the film was set at. Everything about the film was brilliant; excellent script and acting; brilliantly staged fights; a brilliant but unobtrusive score. I could go on and on.

The acting in particular was very, very good indeed. Tom Hardy brought a bristling intensity to his character, which was only added to by the staggering (just look at that those trapezius muscles) bulk he put on for the role. If he is anywhere near as good in the next Batman film as he is here, Bane is going to be one hell of a villain. I'd have them all up for Oscar noms, but it is Nick Nolte's guilt-ridden, recovering alcoholic father who steals the show. There's been talk of Gary Oldman's performance in Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy being one one to watch come Oscar time, but it would be an injustice if Nolte doesn't win as far as I'm concerned. I know his is a role that may 'tick the boxes' when it comes to roles that win, but he really deserves it; that scene in the hotel bedroom after Tommy gives him (yet another) dressing down in the casino is one of the most powerful scenes that I've watched all year.

Some may feel that the tone of the ending is a bit of a cop-out, but it's redemptive quality was pitch perfect. Indeed the final fight between the two brothers at the end (a shame the publicity shots revealed them facing off, as it took the edge off of Brendan's duels, knowing that though he was the underdog who frequently looked like going down, he would get through his bouts to reach the final - those fights were still tense though) was a sublime moment, with all of the rage and antagonism between the two of them for the break-up of their family pouring out through their fists and feet. It had me on the edge of my seat, and I'm not ashamed to say that it brought me to tears.

It's without a doubt the best fight film I've ever seen, and it's now definitely amongst my favourite films. My money is on this for Best Picture, and every one involved should be very proud of what they've produced.

10/10.

< Message edited by Filmfan 2 -- 23/9/2011 1:18:31 PM >

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Post #: 13

RE: Enter Ahab - 23/9/2011 2:44:33 PM

adambatman82

Posts: 11156
Joined: 15/12/2005
From: Sheffield

quote:

ORIGINAL: Filmfan 2

It's without a doubt the best fight film I've ever seen, and it's now definitely amongst my favourite films. My money is on this for Best Picture, and every one involved should be very proud of what they've produced.

Really? Thats quite a big statement.

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Post #: 14

RE: Enter Ahab - 23/9/2011 5:17:48 PM

stlcardsfan1

Posts: 1
Joined: 25/2/2011

I just saw this last night and thought it was excellent. I didn't think the ending was a cop-out at all.

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Post #: 15

RE: Enter Ahab - 23/9/2011 5:19:26 PM

thetruth

Posts: 1548
Joined: 3/8/2011

I seen this again yesterday with friends.
Mind-blowing.
SPOILERS!!!!!!

It is a very complete film,great story and good delivery from a good cast.
I agree about Nolte,portrays someone tragically vulnerable and broken.
For me,Hardy is the star of the show.As mentioned on the other thread,i thought it was easier to have sympathy with his brother who seemed to have more need to win,but Hardy,aside from the impressive physical work,gave such a human streak to Tommy that was somehow not only believable,it made me want him to win.
I thought the fight scenes were excellent-would they have been better if more graphic?I dont think so.
I gave this a definite 4 stars on first viewing,but it would be hard to begrudge it 5.
Film of the year.

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Post #: 16

fantastic! - 23/9/2011 6:33:41 PM

jaysonski

Posts: 33
Joined: 2/3/2006

Wow, just got back from this superb film,
Tom Hardy continues on his amazing career with a character so dark, flawed & brooding, i cannot wait to see him as Bane.
The film's true star for me is Nick Nolte, the hotel room scene with Tom is one of the most gut wrenchingly emotional scenes i have ever watched, you can see the pain ooze out him like sweat.
I agree with previous reviewer, i think it's the best fight movie i have ever seen, I know these things follow a familiar trejectory but the acting gave the characters so much weight made it one of the most emotional cinematic experiences i have encountered, go see it!

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Post #: 17

RE: Enter Ahab - 25/9/2011 6:46:17 PM

Filmfan 2

Posts: 972
Joined: 30/9/2005

quote:

ORIGINAL: adambatman82

quote:

ORIGINAL: Filmfan 2

It's without a doubt the best fight film I've ever seen, and it's now definitely amongst my favourite films. My money is on this for Best Picture, and every one involved should be very proud of what they've produced.

Really? Thats quite a big statement.

Well, I do qualify what you've highlighted by saying it's the best that I've ever seen.

I know what Warrior does isn't original; it conforms to a lot of the cliches of the genre, and I'm sure that plenty would argue (reasonably enough) that other fight films that have gone before this are of a higher quality. Perhaps if I were to sit and watch Raging Bull or the The Fighter again my opinion may change, but I can definitely say that I've never felt so emotionally engaged by a fight movie (though the remake of The Champ was the first movie to ever make me cry).

Perhaps I'm just on a high after seeing such a great movie after a summer filled by a lot of lacklustre movies, but I stand by what I typed.

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Post #: 18

5 * Warrior - 25/9/2011 7:52:17 PM

djhunger

Posts: 3
Joined: 15/8/2006
From: 826

Hands down the best film I have seen in ages. Word of mouth is what this film needs to get people to see it. Had everything. Suprised was a 12A certificate, fight scenes are brutal and realistic. Total quality film.

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Post #: 19

RE: 5 * Warrior - 26/9/2011 12:24:03 PM

BelovedAunt

Posts: 40
Joined: 5/9/2011

Thought this was awesome I have to say. Whilst it drew on lots of well-worn themes and cliches it did it so well that its hard to take issue with. I did think Hardy was maybe just a wee bit too eager with the Brando-ness (sorry couldn't think of a better way of saying it) and Nolte may as well have worn a badge saying 'Give me my Oscar now!' but it was a phenomenal film and I'm trying to find fault. Glad it never copped out at the end as I was afraid it might but like others have said I felt inclined to stand & clap. I've never felt the compulsion to watch UFC/MMA or whatever in reality and that didn't matter.

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Post #: 20

RE: 5 * Warrior - 26/9/2011 12:31:06 PM

BelovedAunt

Posts: 40
Joined: 5/9/2011

...oh and forgot to say (as inappropriate as it may be) Jennifer Morrison....wow! Loved the fact that they couldn't find any trousers for her character's scenes....

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Post #: 21

RE: 5 * Warrior - 26/9/2011 12:41:42 PM

superdan

Posts: 7228
Joined: 31/7/2008

Just finished watching it, and I enjoyed. Great performances from the two leads Hardy and Edgerton, though they are also very well supported by Nolte and Morrison. It is inevitable in a fight film that it is going to fulfill a lot of cliches, and it does, but it's well written and directed enough that it also manages to keep you guessing for large parts. I also like the fact that much of it remains unresolved in terms of relationships and story (SPOILER**I hope Pilar and her family are ok!**SPOILER), which is unusual for me becuase I normally like these sort of things wrapped up.

All in all it's well worth watching, and I doubt anyone with blood in their veins will be able to stop the adrenaline flowing during the fight scenes, particularly at the end. 4/5.

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Post #: 22

RE: Warrior - 26/9/2011 4:03:59 PM

Invader_Ace

Posts: 1523
Joined: 31/7/2008

Absolutely legitimately awesome.

Loved it. If anyone says I was crying, they are mistaken.

I think if you liked this film then you have to let people know, as I'm sure a lot of people think it is some sub-Rocky sports movie. While it does follow a lot of the Sports-Movie beats, it is a proper good drama, that will appeal to a much wider audience if given a chance.

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Post #: 23

Possibly one of the greatest sports movie of all time - 26/9/2011 5:00:17 PM

umer_ejaz

Posts: 1265
Joined: 9/12/2005

From the first time they show you the fight scene with Tom Hardy to the end it's one hellva rollercoster with both Hardy and Edgerton both on top form. The fight scenes are brutal, gritty, brilliantly carved out for authenticity. Definitely would love to see it go for Oscars come awards season for both Hardy and Edgerton as well as Nolte

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Post #: 24

RE: Possibly one of the greatest sports movie of all time - 26/9/2011 10:37:37 PM

LastSamurai

Posts: 20
Joined: 1/4/2010

Just an amazing fight film. I also like the initial poster would put this into my top 10 films. Better acted imo than the fighter, and choreographed as well. Only slight gripes are (and there very slight), thought Kurt angle who plays the role of koba could of atleast had a line or two. Whilst u get all the comments from the commentators saying how "unstoppable" he is it would have been nice to get a "I vill break you" or something, just to add to his presence. Best film i've seen this year though without question.

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Post #: 25

RE: Possibly one of the greatest sports movie of all time - 27/9/2011 11:52:12 AM

BelovedAunt

Posts: 40
Joined: 5/9/2011

I had no idea who Kurt Angle was before it. I thought it was best he didn't speak though. Not knowing anything about UFC only one thing puzzled me - JJ Riley & the Tap Out Crew - are they real people? Is the 'Sideshow Bob' guy some sort of UFC personality?

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Post #: 26

RE: Possibly one of the greatest sports movie of all time - 27/9/2011 5:17:47 PM

Spaldron

Posts: 10487
Joined: 6/10/2006
From: Chair

So far the film of the year for me (although still to see TTSS). Tom Hardy chews the scenery with his largely silent and brooding portrayal of Tommy, Nick Nolte gives the performance of his career and Joel Edgerton provides the films heart. Add that some of the best fight scenes I've seen and a powerhouse ending and its good times. Awesome.

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Post #: 27

- 27/9/2011 8:44:30 PM

bigdog1000

Posts: 57
Joined: 4/1/2007

i loved this film, there was bag loads of fights which were very very tense and realistic. Its unfair to compare the fighter and warrior as they are both fantastic films but cover different subject matter. You wont regret watching this. Im glad i didnt listen to total films review of it.

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Post #: 28

- 27/9/2011 9:23:33 PM

Murray_Futterman

Posts: 8
Joined: 27/9/2006

Just got back from seeing this. I've got to say how entertaining this movie was. Nolte could see some nominations coming his way over the next few months. Hardy amazes with his ability to show so much depth whilst hardly muttering a word. I loved this film.

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Post #: 29

Warrior - The New Shawshank - 27/9/2011 10:35:19 PM

victoryvs

Posts: 2
Joined: 10/6/2009

The New Shawshank yeah! Because like Shawshank it is being ignored at the box office. Like Shawshank it will stay with you long after you've seen it. Like Shawshank its got a riveting storyline, like Shawshank it has superb performances, like Shawshank it will move you, like Shawshank it will speak to you, like Shawshank every scene matters, like Shawshank it will leave you fulfilled & like Shawshank you wont get tired of seeing it again and again, so do yourself a favour & go see it at the cinema & stop it from being the new Shawshank at least in terms of box office. It is a classic, dont miss it.

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Post #: 30