Peaceful Elegance

Rating: 10/10 (22 September 2006)

As a long time fan and reader of Millman's Peaceful Warrior philosophies and writings, I was bound to hate this film. Any other treatment of this work HAD to fall short of my tremendous expectations... I could not have been more wrong. This film beautifully captured the spirit and message (and much of the story) from this amazing book. The cast were all well chosen and the performances gifted. Each time Amy Smart came on screen the only thing my partner and I could think was "JOY". So it was not just her character's name but her presence in the film - JOY! Nolte is to be commended for his powerful yet reserved take on old Socrates and Mechlowitz as Dan stands a-tip-toe next to his titan of a co-star. Salva's direction is simultaneously economical, dramatic and loving and gives his players and their story center stage and allows it all to unfold while beautifully framed and shot. Done on next to nothing money-wise, it is wonderful to see a story and character driven drama that uplifts the spirit - 10 out of 10. See it over and over again until your life is changed.