The "spiritual teaching" film finally has a masterpiece.

Rating: 10/10 (5 August 2006)

As sites from Hollywood Jesus to Spiritual Cinema Circle point out, there's an amazing amount of spiritual message in movies, from films like Groundhog Day and The Truman Show, to Star Wars and The Matrix. Yet the films that present spiritual teaching overtly, have generally not fared as well, recent examples include "Indigo," "What the Bleep Do We Know?" and the abysmal "The Celestine Prophecy," most of which had limited release or went straight to DVD for good reason.
"Peaceful Warrior" is an adaptation of the novel "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior," and simply put, it rocks. Yes, there is teaching, probably more than in any movie since "The Karate Kid." But there is humor, excitement, pain, and joy as well. We care about Dan's character as his worst fears seem to become realized in turn, and we empathize with him as he struggles on the confusing path of letting go of desires to pursue his love.
Scott Mecholowitz is outstanding as Dan, and Nick Nolte excellent as Socrates. Perhaps Nolte's own struggles in overcoming addiction gave him an insider's view to the truth of the wisdom he dispenses as Socrates.
Don't let a negative review from the "critics" dissuade you. At Rotten Tomatoes, only 21% rate it fresh, but IMDb shows that 45% of moviegoers rated it a 10 as I did. This is a must-see movie.