The Cocky Upstart And The Sage Meet Up On The Zen Plain

Rating: 7/10 (3 January 2008)

More of a self-help guide for the Zen needy, PEACEFUL WARRIOR does have some good acting, a solid (albeit schmaltzy) message, and some amazing filming using light and shade.
Loosely based on Dan Millman's autobiographical novel "Way of the Peaceful Warrior", the film focuses on Millman's over-inflated ego during his time as a super-gymnast yet having dark dreams related to failure. Unable to sleep, Dan (played by Scott Mechlowicz) frequents the streets of Berkeley, California in the wee hours of the morning only to stumble across a wise Zen-like master with no name whom Dan labels as "Socrates." Socrates (Nick Nolte, OFF THE BLACK) sees Dan's misguided spirit as a challenge and eventually allows Dan to see a path to inner enlightenment via the "here and now." Initially Dan sees this as shamanistic rubbish but quickly learns that he can apply Socrates' knowledge to help better his gymnastic abilities. Still focused on selfishness (wanting to win Olympic Gold) Dan finds himself injured after a horrific motorcycle accident and must come to terms with the fact that he may never walk again.
With the help of Socrates, Dan not only walks but does the impossible.
The message of the film is valid if you believe in such things as focusing energy only on the "now" and "throwing out the trash" that rattles around in your head every minute of every day. Doing so, according to Millman's philosophy, will allow you to become not only a better person, but a better whatever-you-are in your professional life.
Mechlowicz and Nolte play well off each other, one being the cocky upstart and the other a wise and patient sage (perhaps even a ghost).
But the real winner here is the light and shading of much of the film's images, especially whenever Mechlowicz enters the gas station where Nolte's character works. The dark aspect of the station gradually lightens up as Millman comes to accept what he's being taught. Also the motorcycle crash that injures Millman is done in fine slow-motion action with acrobatics to stop the heart of most movie watchers.
All in all it's good film. Not great. But visually it certainly is a treat to watch.